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Full-Text Articles in Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

As Mines Grow Old, Colin King Apr 2008

As Mines Grow Old, Colin King

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In most cases, the mines being cleared around the world were emplaced decades ago; yet the techniques and equipment being used during clearance treat them as though they were new. The author looks briefly at the effects of ageing on mines and considers possible implications.


Demichain: A New Concept Of Mechanical Demining, Rene Joeckle Apr 2008

Demichain: A New Concept Of Mechanical Demining, Rene Joeckle

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

DEMICHAIN is a new concept for mechanical demining, in which a horizontal web of heavy chains hung several metres above a surface to be cleared is dropped in a free fall and delivers a mechanical impulse over the whole surface hit by the chains. A pressure wave expands in the soil and is expected to trigger the active landmines. A description of the device is given, as well as comparisons to other demining devices. The author offers that DEMICHAIN provides numerous advantages to current mechanical-demining techniques, though it requires further testing before it can be used in real-life situations.


Humanitarian Impact Evaluation: Battlefield Area Clearance In South Lebanon, Aneeza Pasha Mar 2008

Humanitarian Impact Evaluation: Battlefield Area Clearance In South Lebanon, Aneeza Pasha

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

After the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Handicap International sent battlefield-area clearance teams to South Lebanon to help clear the land of unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war. This article is a report of the impact on the civilian population due to the conflict and the impact of the cleanup efforts by HI. It aims to provide narrative and statistical data to demonstrate the humanitarian impact of Handicap International’s BAC efforts in South Lebanon from December 2006 to December 2007.


Gis Technology Helps Rid Southeast Asia Of Landmines And Uxo, Carla Wheeler Mar 2008

Gis Technology Helps Rid Southeast Asia Of Landmines And Uxo, Carla Wheeler

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Southeast Asia remains one of the most heavily mined regions in the world. Cambodia, which has a 2009 deadline for the Ottawa Convention, has requested a deadline extension because it will be impossible to meet its clearance obligations by then. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority is being aided by software from ESRI, which is used to create databases, maps and charts to record the location of mines and unexploded ordnance. This information is used to more effectively locate and demine contaminated areas. As Cambodia’s population increases, it is becoming more critical to clear the land of mines.


Gender In Community Consultations, Hilde Vandeskog Wallacher Mar 2008

Gender In Community Consultations, Hilde Vandeskog Wallacher

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Landmine removal within Cambodia has been an important, unsolved problem for many years. This article focuses on mine-action strategies for gender mainstreaming in the community consultations carried out in rural, mine-affected areas in Cambodia.


Mechanical Demining: From 1942 To The Present, Pehr Lodhammar Mar 2008

Mechanical Demining: From 1942 To The Present, Pehr Lodhammar

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Although demining machines have been in existence since 1942, they were not used in the field of mine action until about the early 1990s. Demining machines were initially only used by the military. With the growing number of casualties stemming from landmines, especially among civilians, it became necessary to employ machines for humanitarian purposes. From the first demining machine constructed in early 1942 to the present, tremendous improvements have been made.


The Gichd Land Release Project, Tim Lardner Mar 2008

The Gichd Land Release Project, Tim Lardner

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the past, inconsistent and inefficient methods of identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance have wasted precious demining resources and left affected areas contaminated. In 2006, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Deming recognized the need for a more effective land-release process in the international mine-action community and subsequently developed the Land Release Project.


Mixing It Up: The Rotary Mine Comb, Chris Wanner Mar 2008

Mixing It Up: The Rotary Mine Comb, Chris Wanner

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Rotary Mine Comb has been put to the test on Angola’s most dangerous stretch of road. In the province of Cuando Cubango, The HALO Trust has deployed the vehicle-based RMC system with impressive results. This article assesses the system’s features and minimal-metal anti-tank mine-clearance capabilities in the field.


Cluster Munitions Monitoring And Information Campaign In Azerbaijan, Hafiz Safikhanov Mar 2008

Cluster Munitions Monitoring And Information Campaign In Azerbaijan, Hafiz Safikhanov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article describes the initiatives undertaken by the Azerbaijan Campaign to Ban Landmines to confront the threat of cluster munitions in the country. Since the publication of its report in January of 2008, AzCBL has continued to lobby the government of Azerbaijan to ban the use of cluster munitions.


An African Perspective On The Cluster Munitions Convention, Sheila Mweemba Mar 2008

An African Perspective On The Cluster Munitions Convention, Sheila Mweemba

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

On 30 May 2008, the international community adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It is little wonder that those who were against a convention of this sort are still reeling from the shock of it. Africa, on the other hand, can give itself a well-deserved pat on the back for having played a pivotal role in the adoption of a groundbreaking, legally-binding instrument of which posterity will judge the results.


Humanitarian Mine Clearance In The Balkans, Christoph Frehsee Jul 2007

Humanitarian Mine Clearance In The Balkans, Christoph Frehsee

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The following article describes the development of the new Mini MineWolf mine-clearing machine. The machine is remote-controlled and allows for clearance without risking the lives of deminers. With successful results in Balkan countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, the new Mini MineWolf has proven itself to be reliable tool in helping clear the region of landmines.


Angola Lis: Guidelines For Using Lis Results In Mine Action Annual Planning, Charles Downs Jul 2007

Angola Lis: Guidelines For Using Lis Results In Mine Action Annual Planning, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Survey Action Center and Comissâo Nacional Intersectorial de Desminagem e Assistência Humanitária carried out the Angola Landmine Impact Survey. In July 2006, SAC sent the author on the first of three planned missions to Angola as Technical Advisor for the completion of the LIS. This article explains the Provisional Provincial Reports, which contain a section of guidelines on the use of LIS results for operational planning. The National Mine Action Strategy for Angola was developed based on interim LIS results, and the detailed data supporting those results are made freely available to all interested parties.


Low-Level Ordnance Neutralization Using The Asld System™, Floyd Artrip Jul 2007

Low-Level Ordnance Neutralization Using The Asld System™, Floyd Artrip

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article outlines the benefits of using a new system of low-level mine neutralization. Some of the advantages of the A-Systems Landmine Destroyer System include effectiveness, easy transport, safety and minimal damage to environment. The author gives an overview of the System, describing its components, processes and field results.


Using The Mineburner System On Cluster Submunitions, Robert Keeley Jul 2007

Using The Mineburner System On Cluster Submunitions, Robert Keeley

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article is a summary of the findings of the mission carried out by RK Consulting Ltd. on behalf of Norwegian People's Aid Lebanon to determine the potential ability of the MineBurner system to destroy cluster submunitions safely.


Safe And Efficient Use Of Mine Dogs In The Republic Of Croatia, Mirko Ivanušić, Davor Laura, Željko Šarić Jul 2007

Safe And Efficient Use Of Mine Dogs In The Republic Of Croatia, Mirko Ivanušić, Davor Laura, Željko Šarić

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In this article, the authors discuss the use of mine-detecting dogs in the mine-action community as a whole, using the Republic of Croatia as an example. Specifically, they describe guidelines that must be followed to ensure MDDs are employed properly and maintain a high level of effectiveness.


Cen Workshop Agreements For Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, Franciska Borry Jul 2007

Cen Workshop Agreements For Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, Franciska Borry

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Comité Européen de Normalisation has organised workshops to aid the establishment of standard methodologies for demining. This article discusses the workshops and the agreements reached in those workshops. The author includes a list of contacts for additional information on demining equipment and methods.


Increasing The Impact Of Mine-Action Surveys, Charles Downs Nov 2006

Increasing The Impact Of Mine-Action Surveys, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

While mine-action surveys are an important tool in mine clearance, there are several challenges that must be overcome for survey results to be fully effective. Some of these changes include alterations in priority setting, information management and impact scoring. This article presents some potential obstacles to completing and evaluating mine-action surveys and proposes possible solutions to these challenges to increase their effectiveness and impact.


Finally, Safe Demining, Vinicius Souza, Maria Eugênia Sá Nov 2006

Finally, Safe Demining, Vinicius Souza, Maria Eugênia Sá

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Following a series of mistakes that caused hundreds of accidents—many fatal—a new battalion of the National Police of Peru now ensures demining quality for 1,711 power transmission towers.


Information Management System For Mine Action In Sudan, Mohammad Kabir Nov 2006

Information Management System For Mine Action In Sudan, Mohammad Kabir

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Information Management System for Mine Action is a globally used and internationally accepted database and software system that allows mine-action programmes to efficiently correlate and evaluate information. In addition, IMSMA provides powerful tools to rapidly disseminate information on hazardous areas and other important aspects of mine action by providing digital as well as printed maps and statistics.


Throwing Out Mines: The Effects Of A Flail, Ian Mclean, Rebecca Sargisson, Johannes Dirscherl, Håvard Bach Nov 2006

Throwing Out Mines: The Effects Of A Flail, Ian Mclean, Rebecca Sargisson, Johannes Dirscherl, Håvard Bach

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The authors discuss a study conducted on flail machines to prove the effectiveness of this technology in destroying anti-personnel mines.


Minewolf Flail And Tiller Machines: Testing The Differences Between Two Demining Technologies, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schröder Nov 2006

Minewolf Flail And Tiller Machines: Testing The Differences Between Two Demining Technologies, Heinz Rath, Dieter Schröder

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

MineWolf is the first demining concept, manufactured in Germany by Arthur Willibald Maschinenbau GmbH (AHWI), that overcomes the limitations of flail and tiller machines by combining the advantages of both systems. Extensive tests with live anti-tank and fragmentation mines were carried out at the German Army proving ground to determine whether the MineWolf meets the operational requirements for humanitarian demining. The aim was to discover the effects of detonations on the operator, MineWolf, clearing tools and cabin, and to work out instructions for reparability.


Itep Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, 2006, Franciska Borry Nov 2006

Itep Test And Evaluation Of Humanitarian Demining Equipment, 2006, Franciska Borry

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The ITEP Work Plan 2006 compiles all test and evaluation activities that will be carried out during 2006 by the ITEP member countries, either as single-country activities or as ITEP collaborative efforts. The following summary provides an update on collaborative test activities initiated during 2005 and continuing in 2006, including also some of the new test and evaluation efforts envisaged.


Protection Of Soft Vehicles Against Erw, Thomas Hvidtfeldt Nov 2006

Protection Of Soft Vehicles Against Erw, Thomas Hvidtfeldt

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The author discusses the challenges of protecting aid workers riding in traditional unarmoured vehicles from the dangers of explosive remnants of war. He offers some practical, after-market solutions that provide a high level of protection for much less than the cost of traditional armoured vehicles.


Explosive Remnants Of War In The Republic Of Croatia, Drazen Simunovic Nov 2006

Explosive Remnants Of War In The Republic Of Croatia, Drazen Simunovic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Explosive remnants of war represent a constant threat to normal life and activities of the population living in mine-affected areas in the Republic of Croatia. The author considers the extent and impact of unexploded ordnance and other ERW contaminating the country as a consequence of military operations between 1991 and 1995.


Visor Scratch Repair And Prevention, Andrew Heafitz, Benjamin Linder, Marta Luczynska, Mark Scott Nov 2006

Visor Scratch Repair And Prevention, Andrew Heafitz, Benjamin Linder, Marta Luczynska, Mark Scott

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Severe eye injuries occur in 30 percent of demining accidents. Visors are known to be effective personal protective equipment when worn properly, but deminers often lift or remove their visors because scratches, glare or fog make them hard to see through, or because they are hot, heavy and uncomfortable to wear. Addressing each of these specific design problems could increase visor use and prevent a significant number of debilitating injuries. This paper presents methods for preventing and eliminating scratches on demining visors.


Cluster Munitions And Erw In Lebanon, Daniele Ressler, Elizabeth Wise Nov 2006

Cluster Munitions And Erw In Lebanon, Daniele Ressler, Elizabeth Wise

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The recent 34-day conflict between the Lebanese armed faction Hezbollah and Israel from July 12 to August 14, 2006, saw extensive use of surface-launched munitions and air-dropped munitions (to a lesser degree), resulting in wartime casualties for military and civilian actors in both Lebanon and Israel. Since the ceasefire agreement, international post-conflict attention has become focused on Lebanon due to the large number of explosive remnants of war left behind after the conflict. In particular, cluster munitions are proving problematic for post-conflict reconstruction activities in Lebanon due to their apparent high failure rate and the potential threat they pose to …


Explosive Harvesting Program, Roger Hess Nov 2006

Explosive Harvesting Program, Roger Hess

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Explosive Harvesting Program is a research and development program funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program. The concept was designed by Golden West Humanitarian Foundation and is being jointly developed with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre.


Opening Roads To Angola’S Future, Daniela Kempf Aug 2006

Opening Roads To Angola’S Future, Daniela Kempf

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Angola’s Road Threat Reduction Project, funded by the Humpty Dumpty Institute, cleared heavily mined roads in the country’s Planalto region. The project made safe travel possible among the over 200 small communities and other bordering nations. With help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and HALO Trust, HDI opened several roads for the Angolan people, creating new possibilities for the developing government.


Test And Evaluation Of Japanese Gpr-Based Ap Mine Detection Systems Mounted On Robotic Vehicles, Jun Ishikawa, Mitsuru Kiyota, Katsuhisa Furuta Aug 2006

Test And Evaluation Of Japanese Gpr-Based Ap Mine Detection Systems Mounted On Robotic Vehicles, Jun Ishikawa, Mitsuru Kiyota, Katsuhisa Furuta

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article introduces Japanese activities regarding a project, “Research and Development of Sensing Technology, Access and Control Technology to Support Humanitarian Demining of AP Mines.” This project, which includes the research of six teams from academia and industry, has been funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEX T). The developed systems are equipped with both groundpenetrating radar and a metal detector, and they are designed to make no explicit alarm and to leave decision-making of detection using subsurface images to the operators. To evaluate …


Minefield As A School Ground: The Tzur Baher Minefield Clearance Project, Bentzi Telefus Aug 2006

Minefield As A School Ground: The Tzur Baher Minefield Clearance Project, Bentzi Telefus

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With so many factors limiting the education process in the Middle East, it is hard to believe that one more could be imposed upon the people of Tzur Baher, a village in Jerusalem. However, the presence of a minefield in their village severely hindered progress in the building of a school. Maavarim Civil Engineering Ltd. was brought in to begin work. The planned site for the school is now mine free, and construction is scheduled to start in the near future.