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An Update On The Mine Action Support Group, Masg Masg

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The following article highlights the recent activities of the Mine Action Support Group (MASG). This includes updates on the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Use Of Mechanical Equipment In Mine Clearance, Johannes Dirscherl

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In recent years, mechanical equipment has become more and more prominent in demining programs around the world. This article provides an overview of mechanical demining equipment and highlights the involvement of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) in promoting such equipment.

The U.S. Department Of Defense Humanitarian Demining Research And Development Program, Sean Burke

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In 1994, the United States initiated a research and development (R&D) program to develop new, internationally shareable technologies for humanitarian deminers and for U.S. troops performing peacekeeping and stability operations. The Humanitarian Demining (HD) R&D Program is part of the overall U.S. effort to assist with the global landmine problem.

Spoiled Soil, Eddie Banks

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

While it is necessary to remove explosive items from the land to facilitate repatriation, reconstruction and rehabilitation, it is crucial that, in undertaking this action, the soil structure is not inadvertently damaged, creating short-, medium- and long-term problems for agriculture, and in particular, the sustainable farming that supports vulnerable communities.

Adopt-A-Team: Adopt-A-Minefield® Responds To The Situation In Afghanistan, Megan Burke

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Afghanistan is considered one of the most mine-affected countries in the world. This is the sad legacy of 23 years of near-continuous war—first against Soviet occupiers, then between rival Afghan factions. The majority of the population has not experienced a time of peace in their lives. According to the United Nations, between 150 and 300 people are injured or killed every month due to landmines or UXO. Seventy percent of those accidents involve civilians—many of whom are returning refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Minex Center, Minex Minex

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since 1978, in the scope of cooperation or defense agreements that link us to some countries (e.g., Chad and Lebanon), the French Engineers have taken part in overseas operations in countries that are greatly affected by the problem of mines and battlefield pollution, and that are no longer at war. Those sappers will acquire an experience recognized worldwide.

In 1992, in order to standardise mine clearance techniques and to elaborate an acceptable training doctrine for all the military actors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to create a training center for post-war mine clearance within the French Army Engineer School …

Security Devices (Pvt) Limited, Trevor Thomsen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Security Devices (PVT) Limited has expanded its manufacture of metal detectors to include an entire range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and manual demining hand-tools.

New Partnership Brings Man’S Best Friend To Armenia, Nicole Kreger

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As a result of the 1988–1994 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia suffers from landmine infestation in those areas where fighting took place.Generous donations from the Armenian Assembly of America and the U.S. government will allow the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) to send several mine detection dogs (MDDs) to help eliminate Armenia’s landmine problem.

Victim Assistance Efforts: The Niagara Foot, Mary Bashai, Tim Bryant

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

A team of Canadian researchers and professionals has designed and tested a novel prosthetic foot tailored for active amputees in post-conflict regions.

The International Test And Evaluation Program, Itep Itep

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

On 17 July 2000, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Commission (EC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the International Test and Evaluation Program (ITEP); Germany became a Participant on 14 June 2002.

Messiah College’S Minefield Simulation, Donald Pratt

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As a part of their Mine Awareness Week, members of the Messiah College Landmine Action Project (MCLAP) built a simulated minefield to draw attention to the landmine issue and give members of the community a taste of what it might be like to live in a place where mines are a part of daily experience.

Plays Nicely With Others: Some Thoughts On Issues Raised At The 6th International Meeting Of Mine Action Directors, Geneva, March 17–20, 2003, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

At the Mine Action Information Center (MAIC), we have tried to drive this demon away and to deal in (to paraphrase Woodrow Wilson), “open information, openly arrived at.” We were gratified at the directors’ meeting when someone from outside the mine action community (Niels Harild of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) suggested that the paradigm has now shifted. To share information in today’s world, he asserts, is to increase—not diminish—one’s power. It is through that hopeful and re-polished lens that we would like to review two critical issues facing the mine action community—strategic planning and coordination, which were raised …

The Evolution Of Mine Detection Dog Training, Dan Hayter

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Global Training Academy has been building mine detection dog (MDD) capacities for years, even while they worked under skeptic voices and much criticism. Now the academy serves as the main MDD sub-contractor for the Department of State (DOS), and has experienced many successes with their program.

The Mine Action/Mine Risk Education Integrated Approach, Hanoch Barlevi

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Integration is a popular buzzword in current dialogues among United Nations’ experts and practitioners. The integration of mine risk education (MRE) into mine action programs is crucial if a program is to be successful in addressing the mine threat in a holistic and comprehensive way.

Humaid’S Demining Efforts In Guinea-Bissau, Susanna Sprinkel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Guinea-Bissau may not have one of the largest landmine problems in the world, but the lives of native Guineans continue to be threatened on a daily basis by landmines/UXO that remain from previous conflicts. This study highlights the efforts of the non-governmental organization (NGO) HUMAID, whose main objective is to keep working until Guinea-Bissau is landmine-free.

Ppe: Effective Protection For Deminers, J. Nerenberg, Jean-Philippe Dionne, Aris Makris

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article briefly explains the work that Med-Eng Systems, Inc., has done on personal protective equipment (PPE) over the past few years.

The Demining Technology Information Forum, Dtif Dtif

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Demining Technology Information Forum (DTIF) organizes conferences and publishes proceedings and relevant papers in an effort to increase communication between users and developers of demining technology.

The Survey Action Center, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Survey Action Center (SAC) is an international organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It is registered in the United States as a non-profit organization. SAC serves as the executing agency for Landmine Impact Surveys (LIS). These surveys will allow greater prioritization of demining efforts and further integration of the various mine action sectors. On the SAC board of directors are four of the world’s top landmine-related non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Handicap International (France), Mine Clearance Planning Agency (Afghanistan), the Danish Demining Group (Denmark) and Norwegian People’s Aid (Norway). Jean Baptiste Richardier is SAC’s President; Bob Eaton is the Executive Director …

Victim Assistance: A Way Forward Emerges, Suzanne Fiederlein

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The pillar of victim assistance, after lagging behind other components of mine action in funding and focused international attention, takes the initiative to shape its future and address lingering challenges.

Seven Common Myths About Landmine Victim Assistance, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Any good mine action campaign will consider victim assistance. Yet there persist certain myths, which if not dealt with, make planning and conducting a victim assistance activity difficult at best. Anyone who wants to understand landmine victim assistance and further its cause should take heed of the following “myths” and plan accordingly.

Africa: It's Big!, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The great opera commentator, John Culshaw was once asked to describe the monumental Wagnerian “Ring Cycle” using only one word. After pondering the question for a moment he responded by characterizing it as, “long.” At first, this obvious answer seemed more flippant than serious, but a little thought leads one to conclude that Culshaw was on to something. Many words could describe the Ring: monumental, bombastic, fantastic, convoluted, stirring, mythological, but each limits the scope or makes a judgment which may not be ultimately true. The truth is that someone who wants to tackle the Ring must be prepared to …

An Interview With Hendrik Ehlers Of Mgm, Margaret S. Busé

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Hendrik Ehlers discusses the challenges facing demining in Africa, research and development, and mechanical clearance used by his company. His candid replies offer insight into the world of demining and managing a multifaceted organization.

Technology's Promises, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Every technology under development makes big promises. Here are five projects that may someday impact the world of mine action.

Angola, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During the 13th century, Angola’s first known residents migrated from west Africa. In 1575, imperialism found its way to this nation through Portuguese colonizers. After World War II, Angola became an important coffee supplier, and the colonial population grew to over 80,000. Consequently, clashes began between the Portuguese and the original inhabitants. The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) and the Capitalist National Union for the Independence of Angola (UNITA) finally gained independence in 1975. Except for a brief period during 1991, UNITA has aggressively rebelled against the established government and …

The Mine Action Program For Afghanistan, Susanna Sprinkel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article has been removed.

Behind The Scenes Of Mine Action, Mary Ruberry

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Mine Action work involves numerous dangers and risks. Yet the field of Mine Action and the stark beginnings of a mine action center often beget warm bonds. Stories from men involved in demining show what life is like handling munitions, and setting up and running mine programs.

From The Himalayas To The Indian Ocean: The World’S Largest Mine Field?, Jj Scott

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The latest conflict between India and Pakistan has spurred both countries to renew the mining of their borders. This could result in the creation of the largest mine field the world has ever seen.

The Latin America Conference: Sharing Ideas To Improve Mine Action, Nicole Kreger

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In early December of 2001, mine action affiliates gathered in Miami to discuss the past, present and future of mine action efforts in Latin America. The three-day conference gave all who attended a better idea of what lies ahead and allowed them to share ideas on how to reach their mutual goals.

Goons, Lemons, And Saviors, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

For about five years now, it has been accepted wisdom that the national mine action centers (MAC) are the critical nodes of humanitarian demining activity. MACs are at the virtual cross roads of mine action, with policy "coming down" and tactical results "going up." MAC managers are asked to implement standards, evaluate clearance techniques and equipment, integrate the various components of mine action (marking and monitoring, clearance, mine risk education, victim assistance), help prioritize programs and activities, answer to donors, report to the host government, provide information to the UN, master GIS systems, fill empty data bases, develop the perfect …

The Role Of The United Nations In Mine Action An Interview With Ian Mansfield, Margaret S. Busé

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Ian Mansfield of the United Nations Development Programme talks candidly about the various mine action offices in the UN, how the UN organizes mine action, the role of host governments, donors, and the successes and challenges of coordinating integrated mine action activities with infrastructure development and capacity building.