Public Policy Commons^™

Palestine Programme Eore Portfolion 2019-2020, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

The persistent conflict faced by the Palestinian population has resulted in large areas of the Palestine being contaminated by various ERW. The key threats differ regionally between Gaza and the West Bank Areas A, B and C. Whereas Gaza has been continually exposed to ERW including Israeli Aerial Bombs; the West Bank is contaminated with a mixture of mines. ERW and Riot Control Agents such as tear gas.

The UNMAS Palestine programme has worked hard to mitigate the impact of the Palestine Israel conflict in Gaza. Unfortunately, the presence of ERW is indiscriminate in Gaza and there is a possibility …

Landmine Monitor 2020, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

This is the 22nd annual Landmine Monitor report. It is the sister publication to the Cluster Munition Monitor report, first published in November 2010.

Landmine Monitor 2020 provides a global overview of the landmine situation. Chapters on developments in specific countries and other areas are available in online Country Profiles at www.the-monitor.org/cp.

Landmine Monitor covers mine ban policy, use, production, trade, and stockpiling; includes information on developments and challenges in assessing and addressing the impact of mine contamination and casualties through clearance, risk education, and victim assistance; and documents international and national support for mine action. This report focuses on …

Assistance In Mine Action: Resolution Adopted By The General Assembly On 13 December 2019, Un

Global CWD Repository

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 72/75 of 7 December 2017 and all its previous resolutions on assistance in mine clearance and on assistance in mine action, all adopted without a vote,

Recalling also all relevant treaties and conventions1 and their review processes,

Noting the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction,2 and the establishment of both the United Nations Mine Action Service and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action,

Noting with appreciation the extent to which the International …

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education: Sector Mapping And Needs Analysis, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The dramatic rise in the number of civilian casualties from explosive ordnance (EO) since 2013 has triggered a debate in the mine action (MA) sector about the effectiveness of explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) (often shortened to risk education – RE). This rapid appraisal of EORE approaches, capacity, coordination and resources examines how the EORE sector is responding to new and emerging EO threats and violent operating environments to identify EORE good practices and potential needs. This report, based on document review and interviews with MA stakeholders conducted between mid-May and mid-June 2019, summarizes the research findings.

Guidance On Protection From Sexual Exploitation And Abuse, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by humanitarian workers are some of the most serious failures of protection and are grave violations of the responsibility of humanitarian personnel to do no harm. Whereas instances of SEA are not a new occurrence, the pervasiveness of this phenomenon was only exposed to the public eye in 2002 following allegations of SEA by aid workers against refugees and displaced women and children in West Africa. Acknowledging that the problem was global, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) was established in 2002 with the short-term purpose …

Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor 2019, Npa

Global CWD Repository

Nuclear disarmament, including the elimination of all nuclear weapons and related development programmes, has been a central goal of the international community for decades. Under international law, only the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) obligates all its states parties to destroy all nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices under their jurisdiction or control and to never develop, produce, or control any such devices, much less test or use them. This comprehensive rejection by law of a uniquely inhumane and indiscriminate weapon is the embodiment of Article VI of the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of …

Demining In Urban Centers Is A Race Against Time, Pascal Rapillard, Jeremy Repond

Global CWD Repository

Identifying and clearing explosive ordnances in formerly embattled areas in Iraq is a matter of priority as refugees and internally displaced persons are returning to their homes. It is a race against time.

Achievements And New Challenges In Mine Action, Stefano Toscano

Global CWD Repository

In the past two decades, the sector has achieved significant results: 31 of the formerly contaminated countries have declared themselves mine free; more than 52 million stockpiled mines have been destroyed; the new use of antipersonnel mines by States, even those not yet party to the Convention, is rare; the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) play a key role in ensuring safe, efficient and effective demining activities. The sector has also made strong efforts to reinforce its role as an enabler of broader agendas: while pursuing its own objectives, mine action also represents a prerequisite for additional transformative agendas such …

A Guide To Non-Technical Survey, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The aim of this guide is to provide an introduction to Non-Technical Survey (NTS) for mine action personnel who wish to learn more about the subject, but who may lack practical experience. This guide collects the lessons learnt from the development and standardisation of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) Non-Technical Survey Training Course and will form part of the pre-course reading material. It aims to provide course participants with a better understanding of the theory and practice of NTS operations. The importance of the practical training cannot be overstated, and this guide is not meant to replace …

Demining In Urban Centres Is A Race Against Time, Pascal Rapillard, Jeremy Repond

Global CWD Repository

Pascal Rapillard, GICHD Head of External Relations, Policy and Cooperation programme and Jérémy Repond, GICHD External Relations Officer, expand on how demining in urban centres is a race against time.

The Ninth Meeting Of States Parties To The Convention On Cluster Munitions (2019), Ccm

Global CWD Repository

The Ninth Meeting of States Parties of the Convention on Cluster Munitions will take place from 2 to 4 September 2019 in Geneva at the Palais des Nations.

National Capacities And Residual Contamination (Croatia), Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Croatia is affected by explosive ordnance (EO) contamination that consists of mines and, to a lesser extent, explosive remnants of war (ERW), including cluster munition remnants, caused by the legacy of four years of armed conflict associated with the break-up of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

This case study documents Croatia’s experience of developing national systems and capacities to address residual contamination and to identify and present good practices and lessons learnt. In addition, this case study highlights the importance of a participatory and transparent long-term strategic planning process, including a comprehensive and properly …

Vietnam Ageing Study Management Of Explosive Remnants Of War (More), Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Every conflict leaves behind explosive remnants of war (ERW) in lesser or greater quantities depending upon the nature and duration of the conflict and the types and quantities of weapons used. How ERW are dealt with reflects local circumstances and conditions, as well as the influence of international humanitarian law (IHL), the availability of resources and prioritisation choices made by governments, international institutions and agencies. In many cases an initial period of proactive effort is followed, sooner or later, by the adoption of more reactive policies and practices. The duration of the transition period varies from country to country, but …

Long-Term Risk Management Tools And Protocols For Residual Explosive Ordnance Mitigation (Vietnam), Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The Management of Residual Explosive Remnants of War (MORE) framework is a holistic long-term risk management (LTRM) approach for handling the reality of risks posed by explosive ordnance (EO). The current Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) project in Vietnam includes – amongst other objectives – the development and pilot of LTRM processes, tools and protocols in several provinces. Vietnam offers ideal preconditions for the testing of the concept.

Vietnam not being a signatory of binding conventions, yet with the recently signed national mine action decree, leaves the national authority and national mine action centre with the question of …

Geneva International Centre For Humanitarian Demining 2018 Annual Report, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

In 2018, GICHD staff visited and supported 61 countries to improve mine action globally and locally and delivered over 30 training sessions and workshops. To carry out this work, our staff grew. As of the end of 2018, the GICHD is made up of 74 staff members representing 23 nations.

Read about all the main areas of the Centre's work in 2018, as well as highlights of some of its major achievements. The report also includes a summary of the financial statements and the most recent list of the members of the Council of Foundation and the Advisory Board.

Iraq Programme Report 2018, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

Upon request from the Government of Iraq and the United Nations, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) was formally established in June 2015 to lead the efforts, in close collaboration with the Iraqi government, to mitigate explosive hazards in country. Our mission is to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of internally displaced persons to their homes. UNMAS achieves this mandate through three different response modalities: » First, we provide explosive hazard management in support of humanitarian and stabilization efforts. » Second, we deliver risk education at the community, national and regional level to protect the local population …

To Walk The Earth In Safety 18th Edition (Cy 2018), Us Dos Pm/Wra

Global CWD Repository

This 18th Edition of To Walk the Earth In Safety summarizes the United States’ Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) programs in 2018. CWD assistance provides the United States with a powerful and flexible tool to help partner countries manage their stockpiles of munitions, destroy excess small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) and clear explosive hazards such as landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Our assistance also helps countries destroy illicitly-held or poorly-secured man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and mitigate their threat to civilian aviation and public safety.

In today’s dynamic world, threats to U.S. national security abound. The …

Ddasaccident820, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

It appears that the explosive hazard was a small IED concealed or wrapped in plastic (which is common with IEDs). The only recorded injury was a severe foot injury that resulted in surgical amputation, from which it is reasonable to infer that the Victim stepped on a pressure initiated explosive device that he had missed during his search.

Ddasaccident821, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

A bomb explosion killed two of three “unlicensed” men who were hired to carry out mine clearance in O’Svay commune, in Oddar Meanchey province’s Trapaing Prasat district.

The primary cause of this accident is listed as ‘Inadequate training’ because the deminers were working without applying basic safety rules. This is apparent because Victim No.2 was brewing tea alongside the excavation being conducted by Victim No.1. The secondary cause is listed as a ‘Field control inadequacy’ because the mature team member (who may have been experienced) was not paying attention to the work of the young men as he went to …

Utilizing The Iatg In Conflict-Affected And Low-Capacity Environments, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Inadequately-managed ammunition poses the dual risk of accidental explosions of ammunition sites and diversion to illicit markets, resulting in humanitarian disasters and contributing to armed conflict, terrorism and crime.

To promote the effective, safe and secure management of ammunition stockpiles in accordance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), the UN SaferGuard Programme has published this practical guide.

Critical Path Guide To The International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, Gichd, Small Arms Survey

Global CWD Repository

Inadequately-managed ammunition poses the dual risk of accidental explosions of ammunition sites and diversion to illicit markets, resulting in humanitarian disasters and contributing to armed conflict, terrorism and crime.

To promote the effective, safe and secure management of ammunition stockpiles in accordance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), the UN SaferGuard Programme has published this practical guide.

This Guide has been co-authored by the GICHD and Small Arms Survey.

A Guide To Developing National Standards For Ammunition Management, Gichd, Small Arms Survey

Global CWD Repository

Inadequately-managed ammunition poses the dual risk of accidental explosions of ammunition sites and diversion to illicit markets, resulting in humanitarian disasters and contributing to armed conflict, terrorism and crime.

To promote the effective, safe and secure management of ammunition stockpiles in accordance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), the UN SaferGuard Programme has published this practical guide.

This Guide was co-authored by the GICHD and Small Arms Survey.

Ddasaccident819, Hd-Aid

Global CWD Repository

The primary cause of this accident is listed as a ‘Field control inadequacy’ because the person in charge at the site had decided to move fuzed explosive hazards and did not enforce safety distances that would have reduced the casualty toll in the event of an accident.

The secondary cause is listed as ‘Inadequate training’, because, while all of the victims had extensive experience, it seems that their training had not prepared them to conduct this task safely.

It is surprising that five ex-pat specialists who had been supervising the teams of national deminers who found the mines should have …

The Waiting List: Addressing The Immediate And Long-Term Needs Of Victims Of Explosive Weapons In Syria., Hi

Global CWD Repository

This report looks at the challenges linked to the use of explosive weapons in the Syrian context for the provision of adequate immediate assistance and to plan for mid- to long-term assistance to the victims of explosive violence, to ensure their full recovery and inclusion into society. It is based on data and testimonies collected from humanitarian agencies, actors and patients across all areas of control in Syria. The testimony of Farah, a Syrian girl injured during the bombing of her school, and of her mother, is shared throughout the report to illustrate the challenges faced by victims.

The report …

International Campaign To Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition Annual Report 2019, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

In 2018, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines – Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBLCMC) encouraged the universalization and full implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions, with a focus on three goals:

• No more use of landmines or cluster munitions
• A significant decrease in land contaminated by landmines and cluster munitions
• Measurable progress in the quality of life for victims of mines and cluster munitions

The ICBL-CMC’s unique advocacy value is rooted in contributions from a campaign network spanning over 100 countries, and operationalized through the Investing in Action program of support to national campaigns and the …

Norwegian People's Aid Humanitarian Policy, Npa

Global CWD Repository

This document is NPA’s policy for humanitarian response. The humanitarian policy derives from and complements NPA’s international strategy. The policy is also informed by NPA’s partnership policy and gender equality policy. It outlines the challenges we address, defines the goals and objectives we aim to achieve, and provides an overview of responses and working methods employed in order to attain these objectives.

Apopo Annual Report 2019, Apopo

Global CWD Repository

APOPO originated from the idea of its founder Bart Weetjens to trains rats for the detection of landmines. Now, over 20 years later, APOPO deploys rats to find landmines and tuberculosis in many affected countries, and continues innovating to use its African Giant Pouched Rats in the battle against other scourges.

APOPO trains these ‘HeroRATs’ using positive reinforcement – they receive tasty treats when they identify a target scent. HeroRATs are at the core of the organization and it’s reflected in the way they are protected and responsibly raised.

Our Training and Research center is based at the foothills of …

Unmas Annual Report 2019, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

The work of UNMAS makes a difference in the lives of people. In its role as United Nations mine action coordinator, UNMAS enables and accelerates many of the core activities of the United Nations — from humanitarian action and peacekeeping to sustainable development and peacebuilding. In 2019, the clearance of landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) paved the way for food distribution centres, playing fields and schools. Roads were made safe, ensuring that people could travel to markets, humanitarian workers could deliver assistance, and peacekeepers could go on patrol. UNMAS, guided by the United Nations …

Gichd Strategy 2019-2022, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

“A world in which communities thrive, free from risks from explosive ordnance.” This is the vision that guides the GICHD 2019-2022 Strategy. Its four Strategic Objectives: Supporting the Conventions, Protecting communities from explosive harm, The safe return of land and infrastructure to people, and Gender equality and inclusion, will guide the GICHD’s work over the next four years and enable our partners to reduce the risks of explosive ordnance.

Iraq Programme Report 2019, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

Transition: In 2019, UNMAS Iraq, along with its implementing partners and in collaboration with other United Nations (UN) organizations, continued to contribute to that end despite continuing security threats where we work, political uncertainty, social unrest, and reduced fund-ing for our clearance work, risk education programmes, and technical assistance provided to our Iraqi counterparts. In response, UNMAS Iraq:

• Clearance: Introduced a new business model with a reduced “international footprint”. By gradually reducing international staff and re-deploying the remainder from “hands on” clearance tasks to exclusively supervisory, consultative and quality assurance roles in support of an increased, fully qualified local staff. …