Mine Action Weekly, 14 - 20 October 2024
Markus Schindler
Program Manager at FSD | Expert in Mine Action Capacity Development & Localisation | Published Researcher | Editor of Mine Action Weekly
Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global updates from the mine action sector. Read about the latest news on EO contamination & clearance, EORE, accidents and victim assistance, advocacy efforts, stockpile destruction, mine action innovation & technology, and assistance, cooperation & funding - right here, every Monday. Dive right in and stay up-to-date!
Disclaimers:
Weekly News Roundup
The weekly news roundup showcases a low-down of the top mine action news and insights from the past seven days.
1. EO Contamination, Clearance & Land Release
???? Angola: Demining makes progress in central Angola
Angola’s National Mine Action Agency (ANAM) has announced that at least 1.7 million square metres of land were demined in the Angolan province of Bié between January and September this year.
???? ???? Angola, Colombia: The lingering legacy of landmines in Colombia and Angola
The article discusses the lasting impact of landmines in Colombia and Angola, where decades of conflict have left vast areas contaminated. Both countries face significant challenges in demining, which affects livelihoods and economic development. Despite international efforts, progress is slow due to funding shortages and the sheer scale of the problem. Angola’s demining deadline has been extended to 2028, and Colombia continues to struggle with landmine clearance in rural areas.
???? Azerbaijan: ANAMA: Over 1 million hectares yet polluted with mine
Azerbaijan's National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) reports that over 1 million hectares in liberated territories are still contaminated with landmines. Despite clearing 166,000 hectares (14.2%) over four years, extensive work remains. Proper legislation and international standards are essential for ongoing mine clearance and rehabilitation efforts.
???? Azerbaijan: ANAMA: 625 unexploded ordnances neutralised over past week
During mine-clearing operations, 141 anti-personnel mines, 64 anti-tank mines, and 625 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) were discovered and neutralised from 7 to 13 October. A total of 1198.7 hectares of land were cleared from mines and UXOs over the past week. Read more here.
???? Bosnia and Herzegovina: Czech police aid in demining efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nine Czech police bomb disposal experts recently participated in demining operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the mission, which took place from 21 September to 5 October 2024, the Czech team assisted in clearing the former ?unovnica ammunition depot near Sarajevo.
???? Cambodia: A million Cambodians exposed to landmine risks, says PM Hun Manet
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday said that nearly one million people are living under the threats of unexploded ordnances (UXO) despite three decades of rapid demising exercise.
???? Israel clears mines around Golan, signals expansion of frontline against Hezbollah
The Israeli military has cleared mines and built new fences on the front line between the Israeli-controlled Golan and a strip of de facto territory, security sources and analysts said.
???? Japan: Okinawa: 1,800 Tons of Unexploded Bombs Still Unrecovered; GSDF Handles 400-600 Cases Per Year
As of this summer, the Ground Self-Defence Force has handled 40,000 cases of unexploded ordnance disposal in Okinawa Prefecture, the setting of fierce ground battles in the final days of the Pacific War. It is estimated that more than 1,800 tons of ordnance have yet to be disposed of in the prefecture. Even 79 years after the war ended, it still casts a dark shadow over Okinawa.
???? Palestine: Unexploded Israeli ordnances: a hidden death awaits the displaced in Gaza
Unexploded ordnance poses a deadly risk to Gaza's displaced residents. Thousands of unexploded bombs, rockets, and artillery shells remain scattered across the region, threatening lives even after the fighting ends. The removal of these explosives is expected to take years, complicating the safe return of displaced people to their homes and hindering reconstruction efforts. Humanitarian organisations warn that the remnants of war could lead to further casualties without proper funding and specialised personnel for demining operations.
???? Ukraine: In Ukraine, tackling mine action from all sides to make land safe again
联合国开发计划署 is supporting Ukraine in comprehensive mine action, focusing on clearance, risk education, and victim assistance. By involving all sectors of society, including international partners and local experts, efforts aim to make land safe for civilians and promote economic recovery in affected areas.
???? ‘Ukraine can be a tipping point’ for ridding the world of landmines
Photographer Giles Duley argues that Ukraine could be a pivotal moment in global efforts to eliminate landmines. He highlights the importance of raising awareness about the devastating impact of landmines and calls for increased international support for demining operations. Duley emphasises that the conflict in Ukraine could serve as a catalyst for broader global action to address the ongoing landmine crisis worldwide.
???? Ukraine: Country contaminated with ammunition: Ukraine needs help
The article discusses the growing challenges of humanitarian mine action in Ukraine, focusing on the extensive landmine contamination due to the ongoing conflict. It highlights efforts by international and local organisations to clear mines and make the land safe for civilians, emphasising the urgency of demining operations in war-torn areas. These efforts are crucial for restoring safety, allowing displaced populations to return, and supporting agricultural recovery. Read more here.
???? Ukraine: Russian Army instrumentalising environment - Ukraine’s MoD
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has raised concerns over Russia's use of environmental warfare, including deploying mines and cluster munitions in cleared areas, a tactic that complicates demining efforts. Mine action experts are working to assess environmental damage and restore affected regions, particularly in Mykolaiv and Kherson, while analysing the contamination of soils due to explosive remnants.
???? Ukraine: The Cabinet allowed the military to dispose of ammunition right at the demining sites
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has allowed military personnel to dispose of unexploded ordnance directly at demining sites. This decision aims to streamline and accelerate mine clearance processes by enabling on-site destruction of hazardous materials, ensuring faster and safer operations in contaminated areas across the country.
???? Ukraine introduces mobile ordnance recyclers
Ukrainian government approved the use of mobile complexes to recycle explosive hazards directly in combat zones, which will significantly improve the process of disposing of unexploded ordnance, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced on 15 October.
???? ‘Ukraine should be mine-free by 2033’ - PM at mine action conference
On 17 October, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal addressed participants of a conference on mine action in Ukraine in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he spoke about the expected timeline for demining Ukraine.
???? Ukraine: Freeing Ukraine from mines "ambitious, but feasible"
Ukraine aims to clear 80% of its land contaminated by landmines by 2033, with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) supporting this ambitious but feasible goal. Advanced technologies and international support are crucial to speeding up demining efforts. GICHD received CHF 5 million for these initiatives and plans to organize a conference on innovation in Kiev in 2025.
???? Ukraine: Is Ukraine’s Plan to Recover Explosives from Unexploded Munitions a Practical Solution?
Ukraine has approved a plan to recover explosives from unexploded munitions in conflict zones for recycling into new munitions. This initiative, announced by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, aims to address shortages of key materials while enhancing military supplies. However, challenges such as safety, accessibility, and the practicality of processing explosives from munitions in the field raise concerns about the plan's feasibility.
???? Ukraine has managed to return 35,000 square kilometres of cleared land to circulation in two years
Ukraine has successfully cleared 35,000 square kilometres of land from landmines and unexploded ordnance over the past two years. This land is now safe for agricultural use and economic activity, contributing significantly to the country’s recovery and development efforts amid ongoing demining challenges.
???? Ukraine: War in Ukraine: Landmines to hurt food exports for years
Russia's war in Ukraine has contaminated large agricultural areas with landmines, threatening global food security. The presence of unexploded ordnance hampers farming activities and disrupts food production, particularly in regions vital to global grain exports. Clearing these areas is essential for restoring food supplies and ensuring the safety of farmers and civilians.
???? Ukraine: A wave of reports about mass landmines is spreading across Ukraine. What happened
On 14 October 2023, multiple state institutions and schools across Ukraine received reports of being mined, leading to evacuations and security measures in cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Authorities believe these false reports aim to destabilise the country and spread panic, prompting law enforcement and explosive technicians to respond swiftly to ensure public safety.
???? Ukraine: Clearing the Path: Ukraine’s battle against landmines
In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, vast tracts of land remain littered with the deadly remnants of war. Despite efforts by global organisations and local deminers, the task of clearing these explosives is daunting.
???? Ukraine Forges Path To Recovery Amid Ongoing Conflict
The article discusses Ukraine's ongoing recovery efforts amid the conflict, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, demining vast areas, and addressing humanitarian needs. Despite challenges, international support and innovations in demining technology are helping accelerate recovery, ensuring safe land use, and promoting long-term economic and agricultural development.
???? Yemen: 360 Houthi-laid landmines dismantled in one week
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center ( KSrelief )'s mine action programme known as Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen has said it cleared 630 Houthi-laid landmines in various areas in Yemen in the fourth week of October. The landmines reportedly included 3 anti-personnel mines, 28 anti-tank mines, and 598 unexploded ordnance, and one explosive device.
?? World Food Day 2024
The article highlights The HALO Trust 's efforts to restore land and revive livelihoods in conflict-affected areas. By clearing mines and unexploded ordnance, HALO helps communities reclaim their land for farming and safe living. This demining work enables displaced families to return home, fostering long-term economic recovery and stability.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
???? Ukraine: Providing vital humanitarian aid and life-saving explosive risk education near the frontline
The humanitarian situation in many of Ukraine’s frontline communities remains dire, with basic needs still unmet. In response, the Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehj?lp (DRC), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, runs comprehensive programmes to assist vulnerable populations in these high-risk areas.
?? Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) | Sector mapping and needs analysis
This 'Mapping and Needs Analysis' of the explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) sector updates Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) 's 2019 study, showcasing progress over the past five years. Through surveys, interviews, and desk research, the report offers insights to guide future EORE priorities.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
???? Azerbaijan: Gilavar Photo Club launches photo project to honour landmine victims
The Gilavar Photo Club launched a photo project in Prague to honour Azerbaijani landmine victims. The exhibition, supported by Azerbaijani activists and NGOs, featured images by Famil Mahmudbayli, highlighting the human cost of landmines. The project aims to raise awareness about the impact of landmines on Azerbaijan's reconstruction efforts and the return of displaced persons.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
4. Advocacy, Policy, Strategy and Standards
???? Armenia: One of the components of Baku's aggressive policy is the exploitation of the landmine issue - Geghard Foundation
The "Geghard" Foundation criticised Azerbaijan's use of the landmine issue in its propaganda, accusing Baku of exploiting the problem to mask its own actions against Armenians. A photo exhibition in Prague, organised by Azerbaijani NGOs, highlighted landmine victims, but the foundation claims Azerbaijan manipulates the issue to shift international focus away from its actions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Read more here.
???? Azerbaijan develops new bill on mine action
Azerbaijan has developed a new bill on mine action. The document has already been submitted for discussion at a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on defence, security, and anti-corruption. The proposed legislation consists of three sections and 14 articles, aiming to regulate the organisation and implementation of demining efforts across the country. However, it will not cover demining activities conducted by the Armed Forces for national security and defence purposes.
领英推荐
???? Bahrain parliamentary delegation meets Special Envoy for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Geneva
Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation, participating in the 149th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), met with His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Raad bin Zeid Al Hussein of Jordan, Special Envoy for the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, on the sidelines of the assembly in Switzerland. Al Zayed reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for international efforts and cooperation regarding humanitarian treaties.
???? Iran: Tehran slams Western sanctions obstructing transfer of mine clearance technology
Tehran has criticised Western sanctions for obstructing the transfer of mine clearance equipment, which hampers humanitarian efforts. Iranian officials argue that these sanctions prevent the country from accessing essential demining tools needed to address the dangers of unexploded ordnance, affecting civilians and recovery efforts in conflict-affected areas. Read more here.
???? Poland with Cluster Munitions? Siewiera: Production Should be Resumed
The head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, suggested that in the face of the ongoing war in the East, the Polish state should consider resuming the production of cluster munitions.
???? Ukraine: UNDP at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC 2024)
The United Nations Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ) will participate in the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC 2024), co-hosted by Switzerland and Ukraine on 17-18 October, 2024, in Lausanne, Switzerland. As part of the conference, UNDP will present “Defining Futures,” a photo exhibition by renowned British photographer Giles Duley, the United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations.
???? Ukraine: Switzerland Ukraine Mine Action Conference
Ukrainian demining specialist Nadiia Kudryavtsevs, who works for FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) gave a demonstration in the minefield exhibition during the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, 17 October 2024.
???? ???? Ukraine: Seventh U.S. Transfer of Banned Cluster Munitions Condemned
The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CMC), along with its partner, the U.S. Cluster Munition Coalition, condemns the latest transfer of internationally banned cluster munitions from the United States to Ukraine, announced on 16 October 2024. This is the seventh US transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine since July 2023 and it comes 21 days after a sixth transfer was announced. Read more here.
?? GICHD Insights: Enhancing the Approach to Inclusive Information Management in the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) prioritises addressing discrimination and promoting gender equality in mine action. The Oslo Action Plan commits States Parties to practical steps, such as integrating gender perspectives, sharing gender-disaggregated data, and creating centralised databases on victims' gender, age, and disability. These efforts ensure more inclusive and effective mine action programming, particularly for affected communities.
?? Thuch calls for all non-member states to join Ottawa Convention
The first Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) Ly Thuch, and President of the Ottawa Convention, urged all states that have not yet joined, ratified, or acceded to the Ottawa Convention to join as soon as possible.
5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
???? ???? Switzerland: GCS-200 on display at Ukraine Mine Action Conference
Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) 's GCS-200 mine-clearing robot was showcased at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, highlighting its advanced capabilities in landmine clearance. The demonstration emphasised its efficiency in removing mines in challenging terrains, furthering Ukraine’s demining efforts amid the ongoing conflict. The event brought together international experts to discuss innovations in mine action technologies.
???? Ukraine: In 2024, Ministry of Defence codified 17 mine clearance vehicles
During the first 9 months of 2024, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine codified and authorised 17 mine clearance vehicles for use in the Ukrainian Defence Forces, including 5 of Ukrainian-made production.
?? AI’s Role in Mine Action, A Glimpse Into the Future
The article discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mine action, highlighting its potential to revolutionise demining operations by improving detection accuracy and safety. AI-driven technologies can enhance risk assessments, accelerate clearance efforts, and reduce human involvement in dangerous tasks, offering a glimpse into the future of more efficient mine action.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
???? ???? Cambodia: Japan vows to continue close cooperation with Cambodia for mine action
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshifumi Tsuge reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to continuing close cooperation with Cambodia in the field of mine action.
???? Ukraine: More Than 40 Countries Vow Landmine Help to Ukraine
During a two-day conference in Switzerland, more than 40 countries backed the Lausanne Call for Action, committing to concrete actions towards humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
???? Ukraine already concludes 28 bilateral agreements on humanitarian demining
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Bohdan Drapiaty reported on the conclusion of 28 bilateral interstate security agreements, providing for issues of humanitarian demining in Ukraine, the government portal reports.
???? Ukraine: Time to recognise ‘tremendous potential’ of demining
The critical funding gap for mine action in Ukraine, estimated at over $34 billion, holds “tremendous potential” for the nation when connected with sustainability efforts, say the authors of a new demining report released by the UN Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ) on Tuesday. Read the report Enhancing Mine Action Finance in Ukraine here.
???? Ukraine: EU urges countries to keep demining in Ukraine permanently on the agenda
The Lausanne Ministerial Conference on Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine led to pledges from more than 40 countries to help the war-torn country. However, these efforts must be sustained, says the head of the EU delegation at the conference.
???? Ukraine seeks global help with massive task of landmine clearance at Swiss meeting
At a Swiss meeting, Ukraine appealed for global assistance in addressing its massive landmine clearance challenge, caused by Russia's invasion. The country highlighted the need for international cooperation, advanced technology, and funding to remove landmines, which threaten civilian safety and hinder economic recovery.
???? Ukraine: $70 million, mine clearing equipment, and support for innovative projects — highlights from the first day of UMAC 2024
During the annual Conference on Mine Action in Ukraine–2024 (UMAC-2024), partner countries announced additional commitments to support humanitarian demining totalling nearly $70 million. Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Canada announced these additional funds. Since 2022, the total contribution from partners for humanitarian demining has reached $1.07 billion.
???? ???? Ukraine: MPs support agreement with Ukraine on cooperation in mine action
MPs on Tuesday supported a final bill ratifying an agreement between the governments of Croatia and Ukraine on cooperation in mine action, while the opposition warned that many in Croatia still live near suspected mine-contaminated areas.
???? ???? ???? Ukraine: Hamburg and Switzerland hand over GCS-200 mine-clearing vehicles to Ukraine
Hamburg and Switzerland have provided GCS-200 mine-clearing vehicles to Ukraine, boosting the country's demining capabilities. Hamburg supplied four vehicles along with mine detectors and protective equipment, while Switzerland delivered the first of three units. These advanced machines enhance safety for sappers and accelerate demining efforts in conflict-affected areas.
???? ???? Ukraine: Japan takes a leading role in removing Ukraine’s landmines
Landmines cover a quarter of Ukraine. A conference in Switzerland seeks solutions, with Japan, a global leader in mine clearance, playing a key role based on decades of experience.
???? ???? Ukraine War: After Robotic Machines, Japan May Arm Kyiv With Specialised Drones To Combat Landmines
A Japanese drone manufacturer, Prodrone, is reportedly planning to supply its products to Ukraine to detect land mines that have proliferated due to the ongoing conflict following Russia’s invasion.
???? ???? Ukraine: Swiss GCS to expand its demining efforts in Ukraine by 2025
Switzerland-based Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) , specialising in ordnance disposal, plans to nearly double its demining machines in Ukraine, aiming for a total of 100 by the end of 2025, according to CEO Philipp von Michaelis.
???? ???? Ukraine: Switzerland purchases demining platforms for Ukraine for CHF 5 million
Switzerland has purchased three GCS-200 mine-clearing robots from Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) for Ukraine, costing CHF 5 million. These robots will support humanitarian demining efforts in war-affected areas. The machines, remotely controlled, help clear deeply buried landmines, enhancing safety and accelerating landmine clearance efforts in agricultural and war-torn regions.
???? ???? Ukraine: Switzerland allocates CHF 30 mln to support work of Mine Action Fund in Ukraine
The Swiss government will provide 30 million Swiss francs (about $34.7 million) to support the work of the Geneva-based FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) in Ukraine until 2027, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has said.
???? ???? Ukraine: Ukrainian delegation in Switzerland taking part in Mine Action Conference
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the head of the Ukrainian delegation arrived in Switzerland to participate in the Mine Action Conference, where a meeting will be held with the leadership of Switzerland on issues of bilateral cooperation.
8. Other News
???? United Kingdom: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham visits MAG office
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, visited MAG (Mines Advisory Group) to learn more about its demining work and the impact on communities affected by landmines. Burnham emphasised the importance of raising awareness in the UK about MAG's efforts to clear explosives and help rebuild lives in conflict-affected regions.
???? Ukraine presents art project in Switzerland on impact of demining on lives of Ukrainians and on global food security
The "Soul of Soil" art project, launched at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, highlights the impact of demining on Ukraine's agricultural recovery and global food security. Led by 联合国开发计划署 and Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, the project combines art and culinary presentations to raise awareness about landmine contamination. It emphasises the need for innovative technologies, like drones and AI, to accelerate demining efforts and restore Ukraine's fertile land.
Videos
As the war-torn landscapes of Ukraine unfold in front of the camera lens, Quentin Curzon’s new documentary follows Nadiia and Serhii on their journey to become deminers at FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) , dedicated to clearing explosive remnants of war from their country.
This video shows the State Emergency Service of Ukraine operating one of their twelve Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) demining machines.
The Japanese government has ordered surveys of five airports after a series of incidents in which unexploded wartime bombs were discovered.
Upcoming Events, Courses & Trainings
There are a number of interesting events for the mine action sector in the coming months, and some of the deadlines are approaching quickly.
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"Failure is not an option!" - Account Executive Public Sector & NEGZ - National E-Government Competency Center
1 个月Thank you for taking the time to curate all these updates and news. - This edition was pretty packed.