Peace and Conflict Studies Commons^™

Ddasaccident632, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

The accident occurred whilst the deminer was excavating on a detector reading; the deminer failed to identify the center of reading, therefore he hit top of the mine.

Ddasaccident497, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

Task# 132 is part of security belt of Bagram Regiment -40 which is contaminated by AP mines. Deminer [the Victim] using a hand trowel excavated onto an AP mine and caused it to detonate. As a result of this detonation he suffered minor injuries to his right hand and more serious to his face and both eyes with serious corneal defect to right eye, first degree burns to his face and ear damage.

Ddasaccident496, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

At around 12:55 hrs accident happened on [the Victim] while he was investigating the signal. Team leader was controlling other lane, which was at his 200 in distance from [the Victim’s] lane. Section leader was controlling other section at his 50 m distance.

Ddasaccident629, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

The primary cause of this accident is listed as Inadequate equipment because the handtool issued to the deminer was not designed for purpose and did not protect his hand in the event of a blast. The secondary cause is listed as Unavoidable because it is possible that the deminer was working to his SOPs when the accident occurred.

Ddasaccident494, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

The machine was preparing the ground for manual parties in one of the routes that the teeth of bucket hit top of an anti tank YM-11 Iranian mine and caused it to explode.

Ddasaccident557, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

On Thursday 5th of July 2007 at approx.1130 hrs, land caretaker ([Name removed]) informed one member of [International demining NGO] EOD team (via phone) that his workers ([Name removed] and his father [Name removed]) found one sub-munitions (1xM46), while working inside the citrus orchard, at Task CBU-193B. The M46 was located hanging on the branch knob of lemon tree approx. 1.6 m from the ground level, in an area which had been cleared by [International demining NGO] using sub-surface Battle Area Clearance (BAC) procedures (Schonstedt GA-72Cd Magnetic Locator). A second sub-munition (1xM77) was located in CBU-193D, lying on the ground …

Ddasaccident563, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

On the 5th July 2007 at 1228hrs, two [International commercial demining agency] BAC searchers were involved in an accident, which was caused by an uncontrolled detonation of an M77 sub-munitions. The detonation took place during a period when all searchers were not conducting search/clearance operations but were preparing to start work after a 10 minutes rest period.

Ddasaccident792, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

[The Victim] deminer was working in his lane and had some advancement on his working lane. After he excavated a signal and found nothing he went to the safe area for rest and when he was coming back on the lane that was cleared by him, suddenly the explosion occurred. It shows that he had missed a mine.

Ddasaccident561, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

On 2nd Jul 2007, two sub-munitions (1x M77 & 1xM42) were reported as found by the [International commercial company] completions team during a final inspection of CBU 771, before handover to the MACC SL. These items were located by the local land owner (woman) while harvesting her wheat crop. They were located in an area immediately adjacent to her house (within the task site) which had been reported as cleared by [International commercial company] sub-surface. The items were located on the surface. The owner reported the find to [International commercial company] completions team during and internal completion QA.

Citizens For Peace Minutes 06-12-07, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

Dr. Deepak Choprah's keynote address at the National Department of Peace Conference in Washington, D.C. in Feb. 2007.

He went on to say that it is impossible to solve all the world’s problems one at a time. Whatever is happening out there is a projection of what is happening in our collective souls. Today, there is a very deep distress in our collective consciousness. We need a shift in our collective consciousness in order to make real changes in the world.

• We need to evolve into a new way of being. In the history of humanity, there has always …

Citizens For Peace Minutes 07-10-07, Linda J. Lieder

Citizens for Peace

The topic for this evening was the Science of Peace, by James O’Day, who spoke at the Department of Peace Conference this past February, in Washington, D.C. He started his discussion with an explanation of the Art of War. He quoted Master Sung – “Without a full understanding of the harms of war it is impossible to manage it.” He went on to talk of the Sirens in the novel Ulysses, who were a loud distraction. Today, the Powers of War (media, 9/11. Alert codes, etc.) are all very loud now. These modern-day “Sirens” capture our attention and know how …

The Child To Adult Method In Mine Risk Education, Mudhafar Aziz Hamad

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The author explains a child-to-adult approach to mine-risk education and how it uses the power of children as “little” MRE instructors in their communities. As part of this method, children use MRE lessons to teach adults and peers in their homes about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Implementing The Ottawa Convention In Southeast Europe: Meeting Expectations In A Challenging Environment, Kerry Brinkert

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As the 10-year deadline for fulfilling Article 5 of the Ottawa Convention is rapidly approaching for the first States that ratified or acceded to the Convention, each State Party faces the requirement that all known anti-personnel mines be destroyed. The author examines the progress and challenges that remain in Southeast Europe regarding Article 5 implementation

Capacity Building In Mine Action: Are We There Yet?, Olaf Juergensen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article flags some of the major debates within the broader development literature and introduces concepts that might help to better define and identify what is meant by "capacity development."

Armenia, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Armenia has been gaining strength since recovering from the 1988 Spitak earthquake, the collapse of the Soviet government and Turkey’s trade embargo. The country experienced economic depression in the 1990s but the government turned the economy around, creating positive growth rates from 1995 to 2006. As a member of 35 international organizations, Armenia is moving out of the post-Soviet era and onto the international stage. Part of becoming a modern nation is removing all possible threats to development. Landmines and unexploded ordnance are a threat to every aspect of development in Armenia.

Regional Mine Action As A Confidence-Building Measure, Jernej Cimperšek, Iztok Hočevar

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The mine-action cooperation through regional workshops described in this article tested the effectiveness of this cooperation as a confidence-building measure among neighbouring states and former combatants.

Georgia, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since Georgia claimed independence in 1991 from the former USSR, periods of war and unrest have disrupted the country, particularly within the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. During these conflicts all sides emplaced mines in both regions. Landmines and other explosive remnants of war also remain following the withdrawal of Russian forces after the USSR dissolved.

Quality Management In Demining Organisations, Charles Loxton

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In this article, the International Standards Organization 9001:2000 Quality Management System is compared to what leading actors in quality management and business management deem to be current best practise. The aim of this paper is to show the universal application of the ISO 9001:2000 system as a quality-management system and that it complies with best practises in business and quality management around the world. This article will highlight a few of the most important ISO clauses and show how they are supported by best practises.

2007 Marks 10th Anniversary Of Mine Action Standards, Faiz Paktian

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The International Mine Action Standards are guidelines set by the United Nations to implement mine action programs safely and effectively. The author discusses the purpose and processes of the IMAS as well as provides various references for those interested in learning more about the IMAS.

Perspectives On Capacity Development, Daniele Ressler

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

On 30 March 2007, Daniele Ressler interviewed Sara Sekkenes, Senior Programme Advisor and Team Leader for Mine Action and Small Arms in the United Nations Development Programme’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery. The interview was conducted to learn more about Sekkenes’ and the UNDP’s views on the role of capacity development in mine action. Lessons learned from past UNDP capacity-building activities are highlighted, as well as plans for future activities and the process of mainstreaming mine action.

News Briefs, News Brief

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

News Briefs

Survey Helps Anama Realize New Mva Projects, Rauf Mamedov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Following a Mine Survivors Needs Assessment Survey in 2004, the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action and several nongovernmental organizations are working closely to bring victim assistance to mine and unexploded ordnance survivors throughout Azerbaijan. Since 2005, victim assistance in Azerbaijan has included five needs-based projects, as well as individual assistance provided to survivors, such as treatment sponsorship and wheelchair provision.

Clearing The Way In Azerbaijan, Samir Poladov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The expansion of clearance activities in Azerbaijan has been largely due to the creation of an Emergency Response Team and the implementation of new tools. Thanks to these additions, ANAMA has been able to respond quickly to requests for clearance in residential areas and in the field.

International Eurasia Press Fund Works In Azerbaijan, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Problems with explosive remnants of war in Azerbaijan stem from emplacement of mines by the Soviet Union between 1988 and 1994. Mines were used along Azerbaijan’s expansive border region and military installations. More recently, ERW have been left behind from Azerbaijan’s battles over territorial integrity. The International Eurasia Press Fund has developed a program to address the needs of mine victims in one of the country’s most heavily mined regions. The Mine Victims’ Association of the Terter district is working to rehabilitate victims in numerous ways, providing participants with the skills and information they need to lead productive, independent lives …

Unsung Hero: Alison Bock, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

As the founder and president of Landmines Blow!®, Alison Bock has built an influential organization that raises awareness about landmines and unexploded ordnance, and helps victims all over the world. In the eyes of many people, Bock is truly an Unsung Hero.

Maic Survivor Assistance Projects, Lois Carter Fay, Suzanne Fiederlein

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

New projects under way at the Mine Action Information Center are described here, including a best-practices guidebook on casualty data, survivor-assistance training and a catalog of adaptive technologies.

Bosnia And Herzegovina, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Shortly after Bosnia and Herzegovina’s declaration of independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in March 1992, the country broke into conflict that lasted three years. A peace agreement ended the conflict in 1995, but the country had already become littered with landmines and unexploded ordnance. Today BiH is the most mine-affected country in Europe, with an estimated 1.3 million people, roughly one third of the population, living in 1,366 mine-impacted communities. The latest government statistics disclose that there are more than 12,000 locations requiring clearance. The country’s goal of being mine-free by 2009 set by the National Mine …

Ukraine, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Under the brutal control of the Soviet Union during World War II, the terrain of present-day Ukraine was littered with minefields and munitions depots. When the Soviet Union disbanded into independent states in August 1991, the newborn Ukraine inherited the burden of Soviet munitions and mines. In February 1999 Ukraine signed the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention but waited to ratify the law, seeking international assistance for the four-year stockpile destruction deadline. In May 2005 the parliament in Kiev unanimously ratified the decision, President Viktor Yushchenko immediately signed it and the United Nations approved Ukraine's membership to the Convention. Ukraine became …

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.

Demining Of Underground Adits In Ukraine, Yurii Kolisnyk

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

During World War II the Soviet Union established ammunition depots with over 10,000 metric tons (11,023 U.S. tons) of explosives around the Ukrainian towns of Sevastopol and Kerch. Stored in adits, these explosives threaten the peaceful lives of present-day Ukrainians. In 2002, teams began the task of removing unexploded ordnance, landmines and debris. They encountered many problems while pursuing their goal of eliminating these stockpiles by 2010. Their efforts are described in this article.