Public Policy Commons^™

Explosive Weapon Effects, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Motivated by its strategic goal to improve human security and equipped with subject expertise in explosive hazards, the GICHD launched a research project to characterise explosive weapons. The GICHD perceives the debate on explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) as an important humanitarian issue. The aim of this research into explosive weapons characteristics and their immediate, destructive effects on humans and structures, is to help inform the ongoing discussions on EWIPA, intended to reduce harm to civilians. The intention of the research is not to discuss the moral, political or legal implications of using explosive weapon systems in populated areas, …

Improvised Explosive Device Lexicon, Unmas

Global CWD Repository

This lexicon is intended to provide the United Nations system with a coherent conceptual framework and operational vocabulary to address the IED threat worldwide. It encompasses the broad spectrum of IED employment scenarios, the variety of IED devices, and their critical components. Adoption of this lexicon will improve the collection, reporting, and exploitation of IED information at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. The lexicon will assist in: - Standardizing terminology across IED reports and improving database content management; - IED related education and training; and - Development and understanding in support of IED policy and doctrine. In order to …

Perspectives Of Syrian Women Refugees In Lebanon, Hi

Global CWD Repository

With this new report, we aim to complement these previous findings with deeper insights on how Syrian refugees have been driven out of their homes due to the use of explosive weapons, and were compelled to escape multiple times until they reached a safer place. Specifically, the study shows how women, persons with disabilities and injuries, and the most vulnerable persons are particularly impacted by this multiple displacement pattern in terms of social and psychological consequences.

We hope that this study, carried out with the support of the Government of Ireland, the Government of Luxembourg, and the Government of Switzerland, …

Landmine Monitor 2017, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

This is the 19th annual Landmine Monitor report. It is the sister publication to the Cluster Munition Monitor report, first published in November 2010. Landmine Monitor 2016 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, and also includes information on contamination, clearance, casualties, victim assistance, and support for mine action. The report focuses on calendar year 2015, with information included up to November 2016 when possible.

To Walk The Earth In Safety 17th Edition (Cy2017), Us Dos Pm/Wra

Global CWD Repository

Supporting conventional weapons destruction (CWD) is a cornerstone of our national security policy. This 2016 edition of To Walk the Earth in Safety highlights the United States programs, managed primarily by the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA), that keep weapons and ammunition out of the wrong hands and assist nations in clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

The dangers posed by mines and UXO can linger for decades. In areas reeling from recent fighting, stabilization and humanitarian assistance efforts are effectively blocked until key sites are cleared of explosive …

15th Meeting Of The States Parties To The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty (2016), Apmbc

Global CWD Repository

The 15th Meeting of States Parties to the AP Mine Ban Convention is a formal, diplomatic meeting of the 162 States which have accepted the Convention. They include most of the States that at one time used, stockpiled, produced or transferred AP mines and the vast majority of States that are or have been affected by AP mines. Several States that are not party to the Convention are expected to attend as Observers.

The 15MSP is a springboard to further action and an opportunity to reemphasize the commitment made by States Parties in the Maputo Declaration to implement the Convention …

A Guide To Developing National Mine Action Standards, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) are issued by a national mine action authority (NMAA) or an organisation acting on its behalf. They guide the management and implementation of mine action projects in in a safe, coordinated and efficient manner. NMAS must reflect the national situation posed by the hazards of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) both on land and in the water. They should also consider the environmental impact of these hazards, the situation of survivors and victims, as well as the legislation that supports a strategic response to these known hazards and their residual contamination. The aim …

The Sixth Meeting Of States Parties To The Convention On Cluster Munitions (2016), Ccm

Global CWD Repository

The 6MSP, presided by the Netherlands, marked the first formal meeting of the Convention after the adoption of the Dubrovnik Action Plan, a five-year action plan that provides a roadmap for States Parties to implement and universalize the Convention.

At the end of the 6MSP, States Parties adopted a political declaration. Through the political declaration, States Parties commit to fully implement all of their individual and collective outstanding obligations as quickly as possible and as conditions in affected states would allow in partnership with the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Cluster Munition Coalition and …

Report Of The Informal Meeting On Mines Other Than Anti-Personnel (Motapm Or Anti-Vehicle Mines), Gichd, United Nations Mine Action Service, United Nations Office For Disarmament Affairs

Global CWD Repository

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) jointly hosted an informal one day meeting to examine the humanitarian and developmental impact of anti-vehicle mines/mines other than antipersonnel mines (MOTAPM), discuss possible solutions and highlight the need for the international community to move forward and take specific action.

The meeting took place on Friday 6 November 2015 in Geneva. Upwards of 80 delegates attended the meeting, which included representatives from over 50 states, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, non-governmental …

Victim Assistance In The Context Of The Use Of Explosive Weapons In Populated Areas, Hi

Global CWD Repository

The international process underway to develop a political declaration on preventing civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons1 in populated areas is making good progress. Meanwhile, the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW) and other national and international organisations are working alongside leading governments to ensure the declaration will be comprehensive and will effectively meet the expectations of those suffering from the consequences of explosive weapons use around the world.

Wishing to contribute to the political declaration drafting process, Handicap International, supported by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, launched an initiative with a view to developing …

A Guide To Cluster Munitions, Gichd, Convention On Cluster Munitions

Global CWD Repository

Since the CCM entered into force in 2010, much expertise has been acquired by States Parties and partner organisations. This expertise addresses challenges in treaty compliance and best practices that have been developed within the sector to support effective and efficient implementation of the Convention.

This new edition of A Guide to Cluster Munitions features updated information on the Convention’s key obligations such as stockpile destruction and cluster munitions clearance. It features comprehensive descriptions and illustrations of the types of cluster munitions in contaminated areas. It also explores good practices in risk education and victim assistance, as well as other …

An Independent Review Of The Mine Action Sector In Cambodia, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Cambodia is one of the oldest and most established mine action programmes in the world. Because of its extensive landmine and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) contamination and the early response that was provided 25 years ago with the assistance of the international community, the country's mine action sector has developed a robust and qualified capacity of national professionals and has benefited from the assistance of an extensive number of international organizations as well as the massive support from international development partners.

As a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), Cambodia has demonstrated a strong commitment in …

Linking Mine Action And Ssr, Geneva Centre For The Democratic Control Of Armed Forces

Global CWD Repository

SSR Papers is a flagship DCAF publication series intended to contribute innovative thinking on important themes and approaches relating to security sector reform (SSR) in the broader context of security sector governance. Intended for researchers, policymakers and practitioners involved in this field, the papers provide original and provocative analysis on topics that are directly linked to the challenges of a governance-driven SSR agenda.

Mine Action And Peace Mediation, Gichd, Swiss Peace

Global CWD Repository

The humanitarian consequences of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) are extensive and long lasting. This fact suggests the relevance of having them addressed in negotiations among conflict parties and included in ceasefire and peace agreements. Nevertheless, the link between mine action (also called humanitarian demining) and peace mediation is underexplored in practice and theory as is illustrated by the limited guidance and literature on the matter. This issue brief aims to explore to what extent the two communities of practice could overcome the tendency of working in isolation and benefit from one another. It also shows that mine …

Qasef: Escaping The Bombing, Hi

Global CWD Repository

This study confirms that the use of explosive weapons in populated areas in Syria is at times nearly continuous, with indiscriminate bombing that lasts for days. The attacks are sometimes seemingly random, until there is complete destruction of an area. All Syrians interviewed said they fled because of the various effects of the conflict, and most of them stressed that the main reason for leaving their homes was the use of explosive weapons in their villages, towns, and cities. In our interviews, explosive weapons were mentioned as the overriding factor forcing Syrians out as they fled from their homes.

Analysis …

Briefing Paper On The Convention On Cluster Muntions, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions is a legally binding international treaty that comprehensively prohibits the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions, requires destruction of stockpiled cluster munitions within eight years, and clearance of contaminated land within ten years. It recognises the rights of individuals and communities affected by the weapon and requires states to provide assistance. The Convention also obliges countries to assist affected states to fulfil their obligations.

The Convention was signed by 94 states when it opened for signature in Oslo, Norway on 3 December 2008. Sixty percent of the world’s states have now joined …

Landmine Monitor 2016, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

This is the 18th annual Landmine Monitor report. It is the sister publication to the Cluster Munition Monitor report, first published in November 2010. Landmine Monitor 2016 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, and also includes information on contamination, clearance, casualties, victim assistance, and support for mine action. The report focuses on calendar year 2015, with information included up to November 2016 when possible.

To Walk The Earth In Safety 16th Edition (Cy2016), Us Dos Pm/Wra

Global CWD Repository

Even after a conflict ends and the fighters have gone home, the threats from landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and at-risk weapons and munitions remain. These threats foment instability; as long as men, women, and children fear to move about their communities due to the lingering threat of landmines and UXO, a society can never fully heal and rebuild.

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA) works with foreign governments and nongovernmental organizations to deliver programs and services aimed at reducing the harmful effects of at-risk, illicitly proliferated, and indiscriminately used …

14th Meeting Of The States Parties To The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (2015), Apmbc

Global CWD Repository

The Fourteenth Meeting of the States Parties (14MSP) was a formal meeting of the 162 States Parties to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. It was held in accordance with Article 11 of the Convention and pursuant to the decision of the Convention’s 2014 Third Review Conference. At the Third Review Conference, it was agreed that the 14MSP would take place in Geneva during the week of 30 November to 4 December 2015. The Conference further agreed to designate H.E. Ambassador Bertrand de Crombrugghe of Belgium, …

The First Review Conference Of The Convention On Cluster Munitions (2015), Ccm

Global CWD Repository

As agreed at the 5MSP, the First Review Conference of the CCM took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from 7 to 11 September 2015.

Unisdr Scientific And Technical Advisory Group Case Studies 2015 | The Use Of Geographic Information Systems For Environmental Impact Assessments In Mine Action, Gianluca Maspoli, Angela Desantis

Global CWD Repository

The 'do no harm' approach to mine action requires that mine action organisations consider the possible negative impacts of mine clearance operations. They must ensure they do not lead to longer-term vulnerability or threaten livelihoods and food security and, by mitigating environmental damage, they should contribute to disaster risk reduction. The combined use of remotely sensed data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be a sound solution to assess pre-contamination conditions, monitor both the environmental impact and the effects of mitigation activities, analyse consequences of natural disasters on contamination, and, finally, support an evidence-based decision making process.

Gender & Diversity In Mine Action Quality Management, Gichd, Gender In Mine Action

Global CWD Repository

This guide has been developed to assist mine action stakeholders to mainstream gender and diversity in quality management, documentation and practices. This guide is designed for use by a broad range of actors, including:

• National Mine Action Authorities
• National Mine Action Centres
• UN agencies
• Non-governmental organisations
• Commercial contractors

This guide includes a checklist to help ensure that gender and diversity considerations are mainstreamed into the core documentation in quality management, such as: national mine action standards (NMAS), national technical standards and guides, standard operating procedures (SOP), and quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control forms. It also provides mine action …

National Capacities And Residual Contamination | Nepal, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

This case study forms part of a broader GICHD study on national capacities and residual contamination and is based on both desk-top research and findings from a GICHD mission to Nepal between April and May 2014. The purpose of the report is to document Nepal’s experience of developing national clearance capacities to address residual contamination and to identify and present good practices and lessons learnt.

Gender & Diversity In Contracting And Grants Management, Gichd, Gender In Mine Action

Global CWD Repository

This toolkit has been developed to assist mine action stakeholders to mainstream gender and diversity in contracting and grants management documentation and practices. The guide is designed for use by a broad range of actors, including:

• Donor agencies
• National Mine Action Authorities
• UN agencies
• Other mine action partners that subcontract components of their work to other organisations

The toolkit is composed of a checklist that seeks to ensure that gender and diversity considerations are mainstreamed into the core documentation in contracting and grants management, such as: requests for proposals (RFP); invitations to bid; call for expression of interest; grant application …

An Impact Assessment Of The Armed Violence Reduction Project In North Western Kenya, Michelle Engels

Global CWD Repository

The current report will discuss an impact assessment of the AVR project. The impact assessment was made possible via the administration of the Pre & Post-Impact Assessments (PIA) survey. The PIA survey was designed for two purposes. Firstly, it was designed to establish a baseline on; i) the levels of community knowledge regarding small arms and SGBV, ii) the perceived prevalence of armed violence in the targeted regions, iii) the safety perceptions within the targeted communities, and iv) the knowledge within the targeted communities of appropriate reporting and security structures. The second function of the PIA was to act as …

Landmine Monitor 2015, Icbl-Cmc

Global CWD Repository

Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor provides research and monitoring for the ICBL and the CMC and is formally a program of the ICBL-CMC. It is the de facto monitoring regime for the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It monitors and reports on States Parties’ implementation of, and compliance with, the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and more generally, it assesses the international community’s response to the humanitarian problems caused by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). The Monitor represents the first time that NGOs have come together in …

Norwegian People's Aid Partnership Policy, Npa

Global CWD Repository

Norwegian Peoples Aid has a longstanding tradition of closely linking our international solidarity work and cooperation with people’s own initiatives and agendas. This implies the strengthening of their organisations as a strategy for the. empowerment of people and communities, as well as for their ability to influence the conditions under which they live. Such focus and purpose are reflected in NPA’s support of liberation movements and people’s organisations in communities where open conflict exists as well as in societies in the process of democratisation. These intentions are also reflected in NPA’s statements regarding its governing principles as well as in …

Norwegian People's Aid Weapons Policy, Npa

Global CWD Repository

As a field-based organization working in conflict areas and specializing in operations that address weapons and ammunition, NPA has proven that it is well placed to contribute to processes to develop and strengthen international policies, rules, and norms to better protect civilians and the environment from unacceptable harm. Building on the experience of our contributions to the global movements that successfully banned antipersonnel mines and cluster munitions, NPA will continue to have a strong voice on other unresolved or emerging weapons-related issues that call for an international response.

Some of the weapons issues for which an NPA policy is set …

To Walk The Earth In Safety 14th Edition (Fy2014), Us Dos Pm/Wra

Global CWD Repository

For more than two decades, the United States has been at the forefront of international efforts to reduce the worldwide threat to civilians from landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and other conventional weapons of war. Just 15 years ago, landmines and other explosive remnants of war killed or injured nearly 10,000 men, women, and children every year—more than 25 every day. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the United States, partner nations, international nongovernmental organizations, and host nations, that figure has now dropped by more than 60%.

The 14th edition of To Walk the Earth in Safety documents the United States’ …

The Evolving Context Of Mine Action, David Atwood

Global CWD Repository

The purpose of this study is two-fold:

1) To examine the changing nature of arms control and disarmament, focusing on what appear to be a few of the most promising frameworks for tackling the relationship between weapons management and the wider goals of development, security and peacebuilding

2) To reflect that thinking back onto mine action itself.

The study, by providing an overview of the wider context within which mine action is operating, sketches out dimensions that seem of particular relevance to thinking about the future of mine action in an increasingly complex and challenging global context.