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

Capacity Building In Western Sahara, Penelope Caswell Jul 2011

Capacity Building In Western Sahara, Penelope Caswell

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Action on Armed Violence (formerly Landmine Action) is the only nonprofit organization that has carried out humanitarian mine-action activities (including survey, marking, battle-area clearance and explosive-ordnance disposal) in Frente POLISARIO-controlled Western Sahara since 2006. This article provides an overview of AOAV’s capacity-building efforts through its Mine Action Programme, which focus heavily on training national staff to efficiently identify and remove dangerous items threatening the safety of the Saharawi population, U.N. personnel and international visitors.


Building Knowledge And Partnerships In Erw Action, Jonah Shepp Jul 2011

Building Knowledge And Partnerships In Erw Action, Jonah Shepp

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As Jordan nears the completion of its mine-clearance activities, its national authority is working to reinvent itself as an international center of expertise in mine and explosive-remnants-of-war action. With funding from the United States Department of State, Jordan’s National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation developed a comprehensive training course for senior managers to help other countries replicate Jordan’s success in dealing with mines and ERW.


Modifying Imsma Training: The Mine Action Information Management Qualification Scheme, Aurora Martinez, Daniel Eriksson Jul 2011

Modifying Imsma Training: The Mine Action Information Management Qualification Scheme, Aurora Martinez, Daniel Eriksson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Mine Action Information Management Qualification Scheme (MIQ) is a new training tool for the Information Management System for Mine Action. It was created in response to the Next Generation version of IMSMA, the newest version of the system. The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining eliminated the rigid and unnecessary parts of the training-system in order to make MIQ more user-friendly. The MIQ scheme is currently being incorporated into several countries’ information-management programs, but it could still use input as it is being refined and implemented.


Victim-Assistance History In International Humanitarian Law: From Somalia To Geneva To Laos, Ken Rutherford Jul 2011

Victim-Assistance History In International Humanitarian Law: From Somalia To Geneva To Laos, Ken Rutherford

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In the following article, Ken Rutherford, Director of JMU’s Center for International Stabilization and Recovery and a landmine survivor, examines how victim assistance has changed and argues that while victim assistance is a more integral element of mine action today than ever before, there is yet room to move forward.


Making A Case For Strategic Analysis In Erw/Mine-Action Training, Paula S. Daly, Suzanne Fiederlein Jul 2011

Making A Case For Strategic Analysis In Erw/Mine-Action Training, Paula S. Daly, Suzanne Fiederlein

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As an essential element of training for managerial decision-making, case studies provide managers with applicable scenarios that benefit the professional, day-to-day lives of people working in the explosive-remnants-of-war/mine-action community. While class sessions provide pertinent instruction on how to react to potential scenarios, the opportunity to use that knowledge in well-constructed examples proves highly useful for personnel. This article reports the steps taken to implement appropriate case studies for CISR’s Senior Managers’ Course in ERW and Mine Actionand the results.


Assisting Cluster Munition Victims: A New International Standard, Markus Reiterer Jul 2011

Assisting Cluster Munition Victims: A New International Standard, Markus Reiterer

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Convention on Cluster Munitions adopted a number of innovative approaches to victim assistance which are, nonetheless, firmly rooted in long-standing experience in this field. By addressing human suffering in a disarmament treaty and linking its provisions to human rights and humanitarian law, the CCM truly constitutes a milestone in the efforts of the international community toward humanitarian disarmament. The CCM contains an entire package of provisions that aim to assist cluster munition victims and establish clear responsibilities for doing so. Now the crucial phase of implementing the legal text begins.


Using Encapsulated Fluorescent Bioprobes To Detect Explosive Materials In Soil, Clint Smith, Joel Tabb Jul 2011

Using Encapsulated Fluorescent Bioprobes To Detect Explosive Materials In Soil, Clint Smith, Joel Tabb

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article examines the methods involved in using fluorescent bioprobes to detect explosive devices within soil. By genetically modifying plants through the injection of certain chemicals, visible responses indicate the presence and placement of explosive material, aiding demining agents in the process of mapping and removing various landmines or other explosive remnants of war. The adoption of these tools proves useful for stand-off detection of low TNT concentrations in the laboratory and controlled microcosm studies.


In Remembrance: Mark Fitzpatrick, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

In Remembrance: Mark Fitzpatrick, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mark Fitzpatrick—“Fitzy” to his friends—was killed during a weapons demolition operation in Afghanistan’s Parwan province on 20 November 2010. Fitzy, a 34-year-old British deminer, worked with DynCorp International, a global government-services provider, as part of its weapons removal and abatement team.


The Rise In Terrorist Attacks In The Western Sahara, Mohamed Taghioullah Ould Nema Jul 2011

The Rise In Terrorist Attacks In The Western Sahara, Mohamed Taghioullah Ould Nema

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Mauritanian government is taking steps to prevent Al-Qaeda’s terrorist acts, including suicide bombings and kidnappings in the region. Added to this threat are the explosives Al-Qaeda obtains from landmines and unexploded ordnance scattered throughout the region after years of conflict in Western Sahara. The United Nations Development Programme and various countries work to remove these landmines and items of UXO, which is complicated by the lack of a Landmine Impact Survey to access the contamination’s extent.


In Remembrance: Mehdi Mohammad Haraz, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

In Remembrance: Mehdi Mohammad Haraz, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

On 26 October 2010, fragments of a cluster bomb killed Mehdi Mohammad Haraz, a Lebanese national working for Peace Generation Organization for Demining, while attempting to clear a cluster bomb-infested tobacco field in Yater, Southern Lebanon.


In Remembrance: Omar Bani-Salem, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

In Remembrance: Omar Bani-Salem, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Omar Bani-Salem, a Jordanian deminer, was killed on 21 December 2010 by the uncontrolled detonation of an M-19 anti-tank mine. Bani-Salem was clearing a minefield on the border between Jordan and Syria as part of the Norwegian People’s Aid Northern Border Demining Project when the explosion occurred.


Endnotes Issue 15.1, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

Endnotes Issue 15.1, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Endnotes Issue 15.1


Peer Support And Recovery From Limb Loss In Post-Conflict Settings, Cameron Macauley, Marcia Townsend, Melissa Freeman, Brent Maxwell Jul 2011

Peer Support And Recovery From Limb Loss In Post-Conflict Settings, Cameron Macauley, Marcia Townsend, Melissa Freeman, Brent Maxwell

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In this article, the authors describe an unprecedented study on peer support services for landmine survivors and victims of explosive remnants of war based on the strategic approach implemented by Survivor Corps, in which survivors were trained to provide psychosocial assistance to other survivors. The study’s methodology is thoroughly explained and analyzed by the authors.


The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 15.2 (2011), Cisr Journal Jul 2011

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 15.2 (2011), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Victim Assistance | Deminers on the Frontline | Information Systems and GIS Mapping | Notes from the Field | Research and Development


Survivor Heroes Heal Lives And Landscapes Throughout The World, Ken Rutherford Jul 2011

Survivor Heroes Heal Lives And Landscapes Throughout The World, Ken Rutherford

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Landmine and traumatic-accident victims and their families face numerous recovery obstacles in any setting, but in a post-conflict setting resources may be scarce. Victims must deal with emotional and psychological trauma, often for years after the event. These challenges range from physical limitations and psychological aftermath to the economic impact on their livelihoods. Some victims take their traumatic experience—which is one in which the victim is terrified, afraid for him or herself as well as for others, temporarily helpless, humiliated, and isolated—and apply them to assisting other victims through activism and support.


Paved With Good Intentions: The Realities Of “Safe” Versus “Free”, Roger West Jul 2011

Paved With Good Intentions: The Realities Of “Safe” Versus “Free”, Roger West

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Government-initiated landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance policies often dictate unrealistic standards and goals that differ from the practical reality of landmine/UXO removal. The end use of the land, as well as the variables of munitions deterioration due to aging and environment, and the level of expected risk should be considered in landmine/UXO policy-making.


Daniel Yuval: A Survivor’S Hope, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

Daniel Yuval: A Survivor’S Hope, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Just a little more than a year since an explosion blew off his right leg, Daniel Yuval has experienced unprecedented success in prompting Israel to take action against landmines. His call to the Israeli Parliament, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to remove landmines has resulted in a majority-sponsored bill in Parliament to establish a landmine-removal agency.


Victim Assistance And Inclusive Livelihoods, Wanda M. Jaime Jul 2011

Victim Assistance And Inclusive Livelihoods, Wanda M. Jaime

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Handicap International first started its operations in the Thai-Cambodia border refugee camps in 1982. At that time, the organization’s main focus was physical rehabilitation. However, over the years, HI has adopted a more comprehensive approach that can be exemplified by a livelihoods project specifically targeting Cambodia’s victims of mines/explosive remnants of war. This article explores the links between the international victim-assistance legal and policy framework and field practice through the experience of the Towards Sustainable Income Generating Activities for Landmine/ERW Victims project.


Somalia: Working In High-Risk Environments And Fragile States, Ann Mary Olsen Jul 2011

Somalia: Working In High-Risk Environments And Fragile States, Ann Mary Olsen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As the security situation continues to deteriorate in Somalia, humanitarian organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve their desired results. Working conditions for these organizations in Somalia are particularly harsh, even when compared to those in other developing countries. Humanitarian-aid workers must accept these risks as a fundamental requirement of their involvement, and donors must be prepared to take more chances in these environments as well.


Gender-Sensitive Victim Assistance, Arianna Calza Bini, Asa Massleberg Jul 2011

Gender-Sensitive Victim Assistance, Arianna Calza Bini, Asa Massleberg

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article affirms that, in order for victim assistance to be more effective, sustainable and equitable for all people in landmine/explosive remnants of war-affected communities, gender sensitivity is needed. The different impacts of landmines/ERW on all genders and ages are outlined, and the problems facing female victims are highlighted. Finally some recommendations on how to take gender into consideration in VA are presented.


Gambling Life And Limb: Humanitarian Hazards, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

Gambling Life And Limb: Humanitarian Hazards, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Noncombatants, specifically journalists, war correspondents and humanitarian workers take extreme risks and make serious sacrifices while operating in conflict areas around the world. Despite being noncombatants, such individuals are often at the forefront of danger and share the risk of bodily harm with those on the front lines. This article discusses some of the recent casualties suffered by noncombatants in conflict and post-conflict regions.


Landmine Victim Or Landmine Survivor: What Is In A Name?, Melanie Reimer, Teresa Broers Jul 2011

Landmine Victim Or Landmine Survivor: What Is In A Name?, Melanie Reimer, Teresa Broers

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

victims by some and landmine survivors by others. Their view of self, as well as the perspectives of their families, communities and that of aid agencies, toward the terms ‘victim’ or ‘survivor’, may significantly affect their recovery and their ability to reintegrate into their communities. We will present a summary of the literature addressing the victim/survivor continuum, as well as the different vantage points of using victim-versus-survivor terminology and the potential influence this language has in shaping injured individuals’ recovery./p>


Victim Assistance For Mine/Erw Survivors And Pwds In Sudan, Boutros Hobeika Jul 2011

Victim Assistance For Mine/Erw Survivors And Pwds In Sudan, Boutros Hobeika

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Sudan’s socioeconomic rehabilitation programs help mine/explosive-remnants-of-war survivors and persons with disabilities find work and reintegrate into society, but policies need to be created to ensure that victims are not discriminated against as they seek employment.


The Bosnia And Herzegovina Mine Action Information System, Zoran Grujic Jul 2011

The Bosnia And Herzegovina Mine Action Information System, Zoran Grujic

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With technological advancements in mind, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center has maintained a current and efficient mine-action information system, working through a variety of difficulties. BHMAC has developed a system to accommodate a growing collection of demining reports and maps to aid efforts to cleanse the nation of mines and other explosive remnants of war.


Strategic Planning And Information Management In Angola, Charles Downs Jul 2011

Strategic Planning And Information Management In Angola, Charles Downs

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

CNIDAH is in charge of coordinating mine action and developing a mine-action strategic plan for Angola—one of the most mined countries in the world. To best implement its plan, in collaboration with national mine-action partners and with the help of the Survey Action Center, CNIDAH has begun to review and update its database of cleared suspected hazardous areas and those still in need of demining efforts.


The Database Of Demining Accidents: A Driving Force In Hma, Andy Smith Jul 2011

The Database Of Demining Accidents: A Driving Force In Hma, Andy Smith

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article evaluates the need for a centralized accident-report database within the field of humanitarian mine action. The author argues that the failure to report accidents by on-site personnel can inadvertently lead to otherwise avoidable accidents where similar events occur. The author highlights the benefits that the database has provided for the community and makes several recommendations on how to further reduce severe injury within the industry.


Mine Risk Management By Mapping, Russell Gasser, Goran Knežević, Michael Carrier Jul 2011

Mine Risk Management By Mapping, Russell Gasser, Goran Knežević, Michael Carrier

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article discusses the issues and benefits involved in attaining information on local areas containing explosive remnants of war through the local population that use these areas, a process called direct mapping. Once collected, data is used to discern which areas, based on the local population’s activities, deserve the highest clearance priorities. This process is described through in-depth analysis of the steps involved.


Information Quality Management In Mine Action, Armen Harutyunyan Jul 2011

Information Quality Management In Mine Action, Armen Harutyunyan

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Data management is a vital component of mine-action operations. Mismanagement of data originates in the field and often leads to unorganized operations and additional costs. A refocus on data-management guidelines and methodologies will result in better quality data management throughout the field.


Information-Management Activities At The Gichd, Daniel Eriksson Jul 2011

Information-Management Activities At The Gichd, Daniel Eriksson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Two years have passed since a new strategy was adopted for the information-management section at the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining. A significant amount of work was completed since then, and the support and quality of the Information Management System for Mine Action has improved. The new focus on information management in a broader sense, not just limited to databases and software, has enabled country programs to collect relevant information for more effective demining operations. Although much work remains, a few key developments deserve mentioning.


In Remembrance: Shingairai Chimuriwo-Tichawangana, Cisr Journal Jul 2011

In Remembrance: Shingairai Chimuriwo-Tichawangana, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.