Mine Action Weekly, 18 - 24 November 2024

Mine Action Weekly, 18 - 24 November 2024

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:

  • This newsletter features news reports and articles from a variety of sources. Mention of these resources does not indicate agreement with or endorsement of the opinions of others. I do not claim responsibility or credit for these works, and do not vouch for the information contained in them.
  • This newsletter is created and managed in a personal capacity, independent of my professional affiliation with Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD).


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

???? Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, October 2024

Afghanistan remains one of the world's most heavily landmine-contaminated countries, with over 1,200 square kilometers of hazardous land affecting millions. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) supported partner organisation such as the Organization for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation (OMAR) cleared 1.17 million square meters in Baghlan and Kunduz provinces in 2024, benefiting communities by restoring access to education, farming, and trade. Despite progress, a severe funding shortfall threatens national demining operators and the safety of vulnerable populations.

???? Afghanistan: Uruzgan residents: Unexploded ordnance still threaten lives

Some residents of central Uruzgan province say they are concerned about the existence of landmines and unexploded war remnants that threaten their lives.

???? Azerbaijan continues landmine removal efforts in liberated regions

From 11 to 17 November 11 to November 17, 126 antipersonnel mines, 29 antitank mines, and 483 unexploded ordnance were discovered and neutralised in liberated Azerbaijani territories. A total of 972.6 hectares have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance.

???? Cambodia Transforms Deadly Minefields Into Prosperous Rice Terraces

Cambodia has transformed minefields into productive rice terraces, clearing nearly 3,000 square kilometres of land contaminated by landmines and UXOs. The Siem Reap-Angkor Summit emphasised global collaboration, sustained funding, and education to help Cambodia achieve a mine-free status by 2030.

???? Estonia: Thousands of unexploded Soviet munitions found during Nursipalu expansion

Almost 2,000 unexploded Soviet-era shells were found during the first expansion phase of the Nursipalu practice area in south Estonia. Demining is in process.

???? Iraq: News from Iraq (October 2024)

In October 2024, FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) 's Iraq teams cleared 665,125 m2 of land, neutralised 83 improvised explosive devices and 18 unexploded ordnance, and reached over 2,014 individuals with risk education sessions. They also surpassed 32 million m2 of cleared land since operations began.

???? Japan: Why did WWII bomb suddenly explode 80 years after falling?

A World War II-era U.S. time-delay bomb unexpectedly exploded underground at Miyazaki Airport, highlighting the risks of such ordnance. Time-delay fuses were designed to destabilize targets post-impact, causing delayed detonations. Kyushu and Tokyo were frequently targeted during the war.

???? Laos: In Pictures: MAG marks 30 years in Laos

In November 2024, MAG (Mines Advisory Group) commemorated 30 years of operations in Laos, during which they cleared over 340,000 unexploded bombs and made more than 136 square kilometres of land safe, benefiting nearly 1.2 million people through clearance and risk education.

???? Palestine: Killing long after they fall: The cost of active warfare and explosive ordnance on civilians in Gaza

The relentless use of explosive weapons in densely populated Gaza has killed over 43,000 people, displaced 90% of the population, and destroyed essential infrastructure. Civilians face ongoing risks from explosive ordnance, compounded by repeated displacements and humanitarian law violations.

???? Sri Lanka: The wounds of war: Mine-clearing in Sri Lanka

After decades of civil war, over a million landmines remain in the ground in Sri Lanka. Women are on the frontline of the country's demining efforts and war widows and single mothers are taking on the perilous task, rebuilding their lives and their communities, one patch of land at a time.

???? Syria: Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA), Contamination and Mine Action in Syria - Briefing paper 2024

The briefing paper, published by 国际助残 , examines the impact of explosive weapon use on communities in Syria. It highlights contamination challenges, emphasising the urgent need for mine action initiatives to enhance safety and recovery efforts. Read the briefing paper here.

???? Ukraine: Over 60 humanitarian demining operators certified in Ukraine

As of November 2024, over 60 humanitarian demining operators have been certified in Ukraine, with the State Emergency Service (SES) overseeing the process. This marks a significant increase from September, when 53 operators were certified.

???? Ukraine clears 20% of mine-contaminated farmland liberated from Russian forces

Russia’s ongoing invasion left 30% of Ukraine contaminated with mines. Large-scale demining, aided by international support, aims to restore farmland.

???? Ukraine: Demining of the Mykolaiv region: pyrotechnics destroyed almost 27,000 munitions

As of 18 November 2024, pyrotechnic units in Mykolaiv region have destroyed 26,875 munitions. They have surveyed 9,919 hectares using manual, mechanical, and canine demining methods, involving 12,143 pyrotechnicians.

???? Ukraine: Reinforcements in Ukraine: our new four-legged recruits have arrived!

FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) has introduced twelve new mine detection dogs—Malinois and German Shepherds—to its Ukraine teams. Currently acclimating with their handlers, these dogs will undergo specialized training to detect explosive vapors from mines and unexploded ordnance, aiming for deployment in early 2025.

???? United Kingdom: Hundreds of WW2 bombs may be detonated along coast

More than 600 unexploded World War Two (WW2) bombs lying on the seabed could be exploded ahead of three new wind farm projects in a county.

???? Yemen: Saudi project clears 614 Houthi mines in Yemen

Members of Saudi Arabia’s Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen removed 614 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included three anti-personnel mines, 36 anti-tank mines, 574 unexploded ordnances and one explosive device.

?? FAO’s role in humanitarian mine action: Revitalising agricultural lands and strengthening food security (November 2024)

The 联合国粮农组织 focuses on integrating humanitarian mine action with agricultural recovery to address food insecurity caused by landmine contamination across 67 countries. By prioritising farmland demining and mitigating soil contamination, FAO helps rural communities regain self-sufficiency, including in Ukraine, through partnerships with organisations like the World Food Programme .

?? The Continuing Cost of Antipersonnel Land Mines

Despite the 1997 treaty banning landmines, countries like Russia and Myanmar continue their use, causing civilian casualties and long-term dangers. The article emphasises the ongoing humanitarian and economic impacts of landmines, highlighting the need for global adherence to the ban.

?? Landmine Monitor 2024 - Maps

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) provides a series of maps in PDF format that visually represent key aspects of global landmine issues. See the maps here.

?? Humanitarian mine action

Germany actively opposes anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions, supporting humanitarian mine action projects to mitigate their impact. Despite global bans, these weapons continue to harm civilians, with improvised explosive devices posing increasing threats in conflict zones like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:

  • ???? India: Forest Fire Along LoC Triggers Landmine Blasts In J&K's Poonch. Read more
  • ???? Nigeria: Police safely recover unexploded ordnance in Maiduguri. Read more
  • ???? Singapore: Unexploded bomb discovered near Singaporean club. Read more
  • ???? Turkey: Historic unexploded artillery shells discovered in ?anakkale. Read more
  • ???? United Kingdom: Police reveal 'mortar shell' found in garden near Peterborough was unexploded German Second World War bomb. Read more
  • ???? United States: Unexploded Ordnance Found In Niceville Neighborhood. Read more


2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)

???? Azerbaijan's ANAMA, TikTok discuss partnership to raise awareness on landmine risks in Karabakh

ANAMA and TikTok discussed a partnership to raise awareness about landmine risks in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region. The collaboration aims to create engaging content to educate the public on mine dangers, supporting Azerbaijan’s extensive demining efforts in liberated territories.


3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance

???? Laos: Nine killed, 39 others injured in unexploded ordnance (UXO) accidents in past 10 months, Lao National Assembly hears

Nine people were killed, while 39 others were injured in unexploded ordnance (UXO)-related accidents across the country in the past 10 months. Read more here.

???? ???? Myanmar overtakes Syria to become country with highest landmine casualties

Myanmar has overtaken Syria as the country with the highest number of casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war. The Landmine Monitor 2024 report found that in 2023, Myanmar recorded 1,003 casualties, although it says the true number may be significantly higher due to under-reporting. Read more here.

???? Myanmar Landmine/ERW Incidents Information

In the first nine months of 2024, Myanmar reported 889 casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war, representing 85% of 2023's total. Shan State accounted for 25% of these incidents, with children comprising 28% of the victims.

???? Myanmar: Children and amputees bear brunt of Myanmar’s deadly landmine epidemic

The impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance is particularly severe on Myanmar’s children, with 联合国儿童基金会 data released earlier this year revealing that over 20 per cent of the 1,052 verified civilian casualties from such incidents in 2023 were children.

???? Myanmar amputees under siege by junta landmines, harassment and blockades of prosthetics, say UN experts

UN experts report that Myanmar's military junta is extensively using landmines, resulting in the world's highest casualty rate. The junta is also obstructing access to medical care and prosthetics for amputees, who face harassment and arrest, as missing limbs are viewed as evidence of resistance involvement. Read more here.

???? Myanmar: “I Didn’t Think the Military Would Lay Mines in My House”

Since Myanmar's 2021 military coup, the junta's use of antipersonnel landmines has surged, causing 1,003 civilian casualties in 2023—nearly three times the previous year's toll. These mines indiscriminately harm civilians and disrupt livelihoods.

???? Ukraine: The number of accidents involving explosive objects has halved in the Mykolaiv region

This year, the number of accidents involving explosive objects in Mykolaiv Oblast has halved compared to last year: 64 were recorded in 2023, and 26 in 2024. In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, there have been 92 incidents involving explosive devices in Mykolaiv region, as a result of which 90 people were injured, including 12 children.

???? Yemen: Mine Action Center organises workshop

A workshop has begun in Sana'a to develop and update the national standard for mine action regarding victim assistance in line with international standards.

?? Landmines: New Casualties Show Need to Support Treaty Ban

Human Rights Watch highlights the rising casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war, emphasising the urgent need for global commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty. The Landmine Monitor 2024 report calls for stronger action to reduce risks and protect vulnerable communities globally.

?? Sharp rise recorded in landmine casualties in 2023, warns report

Civilians, including children, make up 84 percent of landmine casualties, with the highest numbers last year in Myanmar. Read more here.

?? Improving Point of Injury Trauma Care for IED Victims

The Small Arms Survey's November 2024 Briefing Paper, "Improving Point of Injury Trauma Care for IED Victims," emphasises the urgent need to prioritise emergency care within victim assistance and counter-IED strategies, advocating for a comprehensive, society-wide approach to support civilian IED victims in low-resource settings.

Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:

  • ???? Syria: Civilian killed in landmine explosion in Al-Qonaitara countryside. Read more
  • ???? Syria: Landmine explosion leaves two members of SDF dead in Tel Abyad countryside. Read more
  • ???? Syria: Child killed in explosion of a landmine in Syrian Desert. Read more
  • ???? Syria: Two SDF members ki*lled and four civilians injured by explosions of old ordnance in Ain Al-Arab (Kobani). Read more
  • ???? Syria: Landmine explosion leaves child dead in Idlib countryside. Read more
  • ???? Syria: Three members of “SDF” killed and injured in explosion of IED planted by ISIS cells in Deir Ezzor. Read more


4. Advocacy, Policy, Conventions, Strategies and Standards

???? ?? Cambodia to host world’s largest anti-landmine meeting

The Cambodian Government is just days away from hosting the Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, where more than 600 delegates representing over 80 countries are expected to attend.

???? ?? Cambodia: Survivors, dogs join Cambodia anti-mine march

Survivors and demining dogs joined hundreds at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat for a four-kilometre march advocating for a mine-free world. The event highlights the enduring dangers of landmines and global calls for stronger mine action and demining initiatives.

???? ?? Cambodia determined to promote mine-free world

Cambodian Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) Ly Thuch has affirmed that hosting the 5th Review Conference of the International Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), also known as the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, is not only a privilege but also a responsibility that Cambodia holds in high regard.

???? Canada: Demining the World: The Impact of Canada and the Ottawa Treaty

In 1997, Canada led the formation of a coalition to ban anti-personnel landmines, resulting in the Ottawa Treaty—a pivotal moment in international diplomacy and human rights. This episode explores Canada's role in global demining efforts, featuring insights from NEDEX expert Seydou Gaye on the realities of mine clearance in high-risk areas, and Paddy Torsney of the Canadian Landmine Foundation , who discusses how the Treaty paved the way for international cooperation and lasting change.

???? Estonia: National Defense Committee to discuss re-introduction of anti-personnel landmines

The members of the Riigikogu's National Defense Committee see the need to restart discussions on whether Estonia should reintroduce anti-personnel landmines. In connection with that it would also be necessary to discuss Estonia's potential withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which currently restricts anti-personnel landmine use.

???? Finland: Time to talk about anti-personnel landmines, Defence Forces says

General Janne Jaakkola of the Finnish Defence Forces suggests reconsidering the use of anti-personnel landmines, banned by Finland in 2012 under the Ottawa Convention, due to significant changes in the security environment, notably Russia's large-scale ground force deployments in Ukraine.

???? Ukraine: From danger to hope: How ‘Minefield Honey’ is transforming Ukraine’s devastated lands

Ukraine's "Minefield Honey" initiative uses drones to plant flowers in mined areas, allowing bees to produce honey safely. This project raises global awareness and funds for demining efforts, symbolizing resilience and the nation's commitment to restoring its land.

???? ???? Ukraine's Path Forward With Anti-Personnel Mines

The article explores Ukraine's use of U.S.-provided anti-personnel mines, raising ethical and practical concerns amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. While mines offer military advantages, their long-term risks to civilians and challenges for humanitarian demining remain significant obstacles to recovery.

???? ???? Ukraine: An Explosive Choice: Landmines and Ukraine

President Biden's decision to send anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine, aimed at strengthening military defences against Russian aggression, raises concerns over humanitarian impact, legal implications, and the ongoing challenge of mine clearance in the country.

???? ???? Ukraine: U.S.-Made Landmines: A Game Changer for Ukraine’s Defence Against Russia?

The Biden administration's approval to send non-persistent anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine aims to bolster defences against Russian advances. While these mines deactivate after a set period, concerns persist about their humanitarian impact and potential civilian risks.

???? ???? Ukraine: Don't condemn the US decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine

James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust , discusses the U.S. decision to provide anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. He emphasises the necessity of such measures for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, while highlighting the importance of responsible deployment and subsequent clearance to mitigate civilian harm.

???? ???? Ukraine: An indefensible defence of landmines: a response to James Cowan of the HALO Trust and his plea not to “condemn the US decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine”

James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust , defends the U.S. decision to supply anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine, arguing their necessity for defence against Russian aggression. However, according to the Action on Armed Violence this stance risks undermining global efforts to ban such indiscriminate weapons.

???? ???? Ukraine: Biden Administration's Approval of Landmine Use by Ukraine Undermines International Norms and Civilian Safety

Lloyd Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Anne Delorme, Executive Director of 国际助残 Canada criticise the Biden administration's approval of Ukraine's use of landmines, calling it dangerous and a violation of international norms. They warn that it undermines global treaties, harms civilians, and hinders post-conflict recovery.

???? ???? Ukraine: MAG statement on the decision by the US Government to provide anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) expressed deep disappointment over the U.S. decision to supply anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, viewing it as a reversal of prior commitments and a potential breach of the Ottawa Treaty, which Ukraine has signed.

???? ???? Ukraine: American transfer of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is illegal and must be reversed

According to Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp , the US decision to transfer internationally banned anti-personnel mines to Ukraine does not only go against its own U.S. Anti-Personnel Landmine Policy, but is a desperate measure pushing Ukraine to breach international law. States and militaries know full well the lack of military utility and grave humanitarian impacts of antipersonnel mines.

???? ???? Ukraine: US explains reason for supplying Ukraine with landmines

The US decision to send anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine — a major policy shift slammed by rights groups — was triggered by a change in Russian battlefield tactics favoring infantry over mechanized units, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday. Read more here.

???? Vietnam, non-signatory to Ottawa, to attend summit in Siem Reap

Vietnam’s participation in the Siem Reap Angkor Summit is a significant gesture of cooperation and a global effort towards a world free of landmines.

?? Landmine Monitor 2024

The Landmine Monitor 2024, published by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) , provides a global overview of efforts by the international community to universalise and fully implement the treaty. The report documents recent use and covers mine ban policy, including the status of production, trade, and stockpiling globally. It assesses the impact of mine contamination and casualties, and progress made in clearance, risk education, and victim assistance. Lastly, it outlines global trends in international assistance to mine action as well as available national resources. Read the report here.

?? ???? The Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World

The Fifth Review Conference of the Ottawa Treaty, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from 25 to 29 November 2024, convenes global leaders and mine action experts to assess progress and reinforce commitments toward a world free of anti-personnel landmines.

?? GICHD statement | State Parties must uphold the strong norms banning anti-personnel mines

On 22 November 2024, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) reaffirmed the importance of upholding the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) ahead of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit. The GICHD emphasised the treaty's role in saving lives, protecting communities, and enabling socio-economic development.

?? Food for Thought: A Voluntary Multi-Donor Fund for Sustainable APMBC Completion, October 2024

This paper by MAG (Mines Advisory Group) offers reflections on the potential scope and application of a voluntary multi-donor fund in support of implementation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). It aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue in advance of the Fifth Review Conference, chaired by Cambodia and to be held in Siem Reap-Angkor in November 2024.

?? New Report: Pathways to Completion

MAG's "Pathways to Completion" report examines the challenges and lessons for States Parties in fulfilling Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, covering stages from initial contamination assessment to declaring completion.


5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament


6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends

???? Azerbaijan set to receive new demining equipment

The Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) has started preparatory works as new demining equipment will be brought to the country. Thus, works on procurement of demining equipment, spare parts and training services will be carried out. The organisation entrusted the execution of the mentioned works to Improtex Industries LLC and concluded a contract with it worth 2,304,864 manats ($1.35 million).

???? United States: AI-powered platform advances landmine detection

Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAI), a company specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) for drone imagery processing, announced on Tuesday that it has been granted a U.S. patent for its technology used in explosive detection. The system, known as SpotlightAI?, leverages machine learning to identify and locate various types of explosives from drone-captured images.


7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation

???? ???? Cambodia: Australia reaffirms support for Cambodia’s demining at global summit

Australia reaffirmed its 30-year commitment to Cambodia’s demining efforts at the Fifth Review Conference in Siem Reap. Having contributed AUD 100 million, Australia supports advanced equipment, training, and survivor rehabilitation, enabling rural development and progress toward a mine-free Cambodia.

???? ???? Cambodia, Vietnam strengthen mine action cooperation at Hanoi talks

Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), held talks with Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung to strengthen bilateral cooperation on mine action and reaffirm commitments to peace-building efforts.

???? ???? Myanmar: CMAA commits to help Myanmar with mine clearance efforts

The First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and president of the Ottawa Convention for 2024 Ly Thuch reaffirmed his commitment to continuing communication with relevant parties and assisting in mine clearance efforts in Myanmar, regardless of political, religious, or economic status.

???? ???? Somalia: Japan donates equipment to enhance Somali Police Force's mine action unit

The Japanese government has donated critical equipment to Somalia's Police Force Mine Action Unit, to strengthen its capacity to detect and neutralise explosive devices in the country.?

???? ???? Ukrainian soldiers receive EOD training in Britain under Operation Interflex

Ukrainian soldiers are receiving specialised training in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) in the United Kingdom as part of the multinational Operation Interflex.

???? ???? Ukraine: Yulia Svyrydenko and the Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine, Nakagome Masashi, discussed possibilities for accelerating demining efforts

Yulia Svyrydenko expressed gratitude for Japan's readiness to host the Mine Action Conference in Ukraine next year. As she emphasised, Ukraine hopes that the Conference will help solidify partner cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining.

???? ???? Ukraine: UN approves interim aid plan for Ukraine worth more than $2 billion

The UN World Food Programme has approved a strategic plan for Ukraine covering 2025-2027, with a budget of $2.1 billion. This plan includes humanitarian assistance, demining efforts, and support for agricultural exports.

???? Ukraine: Warren Buffett’s Son Joins Effort to Demine Ukraine’s Farmland

Howard G. Buffett, son of Warren Buffett, has committed $800 million to support Ukraine's demining efforts, focusing on clearing farmland to ensure safe agricultural activities. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation collaborates with local and international organizations to address this critical need.

???? ?? Zimbabwe’s demining efforts receive international support

Zimbabwe's demining initiatives have garnered international backing, enhancing efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance. This support is crucial for ensuring community safety, promoting socio-economic development, and restoring land for productive use.


8. Other News

???? Cambodia: Peace Museum set to host visit by anti-mine summit delegation

The Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap province is set to host a study visit for delegates later this week, ahead of the anti-mine summit. Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), has reviewed the museum’s preparations and confirmed that it is ready to welcome delegates attending the fifth review meeting of the Ottawa Convention.

?? Environmental Protection in Mine Action: A Review of Good Policy and Practice

The Mine Action Review’s new report on Environmental protection in Mine Action: a review of good policy and practice offers guidance for developing environmental policies, showcases best practices in environmental management and climate action, and advocates for increased donor engagement to mitigate environmental impacts and support communities affected by climate change.

?? New mine ban treaty action plan would be another step forward for environmental mainstreaming

The new Mine Ban Treaty Action Plan incorporates environmental and climate change considerations into mine action for the first time. The plan emphasises sustainable demining practices, climate resilience, and environmental protection to address contamination challenges in conflict-affected areas.

?? Side event: Do no harm? Addressing environmental issues in mine action

During the APMBC Fifth Review Conference, Siem Reap, Cambodia, members of the Environmental Issues and Mine Action (EIMA) Working Group will deliver ‘lightening presentations’, showcasing examples of work being undertaken on environmental issues in mine action. The side event will take place on Wednesday 27 November 2024 from 12:00 -14:00.


Videos

In Ukraine, as FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) continues to recruit and train deminers and technical personnel to strengthen its operational capacity and address the massive mine and explosive ordnance contamination in the country, two new deminers and an operations manager walk you through the four weeks training needed to become deminer.

Ahead of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention review conference in #Cambodia, The HALO Trust looks back at one of the most spectacular and difficult minefields they have cleared in more than 30 years of making the country safe.

Alma Taslid?an, President of the ICBL Board, delivering a clear and firm statement on the organisation's position in response to the recent announcement by the US administration regarding the transfer of landmines to Ukraine.

James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust , discusses his thoughts about the US announcement to supply anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.


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.

  • During the 45th IEEE IGARSS in Brisbane, Australia (August 3-8, 2025) there will be a session on UAV-based Multi-sensor Identification and Mapping of Explosive Ordnance. Submit your papers by 10 January 2025 and find all the details here.
  • The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, in partnership with UNDP Ukraine, has organised a free course for veterans with disabilities in the field of mechanical demining for mine action. The course will train 10 to 12 participants and last just under three weeks (from 2–18 December). Learn more here.
  • The 107th Mine Action Managers Course, hosted in Spiez, Switzerland, from June 16-27, 2025, by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Swiss Government, enhances participants' skills in managing mine action programs. It combines online and in-person training, covering governance, operational planning, and leadership. Register here.
  • The GICHD's Land Release Training Course, held in Stans, Switzerland, from August 4–15, 2025, equips participants with practical skills in planning and conducting mine clearance operations. Combining online and in-person phases, the course emphasises operational efficiency, safety, and international standards adherence. Register here.
  • The National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) Development - Partnership for Peace Course will take place in Spiez, Switzerland, from 27–31 October 2025. This Partnership for Peace course organised by GICHD focuses on building capacity for creating and implementing national mine action standards, crucial for demining and explosive ordnance risk management. Learn more and register here.
  • The Mine Ban Treaty Fifth Review Conference, also referred to as the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, will take place on 25–29 November 2024. Learn more here.


Always Stay in the Know – Never Miss an Update

This newsletter is subscribed to by over 2600+ dedicated readers on LinkedIn. To join this community of mine action professionals and supporters, go ahead and subscribe to the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, and find all editions right here on LinkedIn.

Please reach out to me if there are any mine action news, journal articles, events, or updates that you would like to suggest for the next edition of Mine Action Weekly. You can find (and follow / connect with) me here. See you next Monday!

Milad J. Panah

"Failure is not an option!" - Account Executive Public Sector & NEGZ - National E-Government Competency Center

1 天前

50 UXOs in Gallipoli is wild. 109 years later ??

Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohammed Alias Yusof

Professor at National Defence University Malaysia

1 天前

Interesting

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Markus Schindler的更多文章

  • Mine Action Weekly, 11 - 17 November 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 11 - 17 November 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    4 条评论
  • Mine Action Weekly, 4 - 10 November 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 4 - 10 November 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

  • Mine Action Weekly, 28 October - 3 November 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 28 October - 3 November 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

  • Mine Action Weekly, 21 - 27 October 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 21 - 27 October 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    6 条评论
  • Mine Action Weekly, 14 - 20 October 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 14 - 20 October 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    1 条评论
  • Mine Action Weekly, 7 - 13 October 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 7 - 13 October 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    2 条评论
  • Mine Action Weekly, 30 September - 6 October 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 30 September - 6 October 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    3 条评论
  • Mine Action Weekly, 23 - 29 September 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 23 - 29 September 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    8 条评论
  • Mine Action Weekly, 16 - 22 September 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 16 - 22 September 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

  • Mine Action Weekly, 9 - 15 September 2024

    Mine Action Weekly, 9 - 15 September 2024

    Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global…

    4 条评论