Mine Action Weekly, 2 - 8 September 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: Afghanistan Priority Area of Return and Reintegration (PARR): Surkhrod, Nangarhar, Eastern Region 2024 - Fact Sheet as of August 2024

The August 2024 fact sheet for Afghanistan's Surkhrod district highlights ongoing mine action efforts in the region. It focuses on clearing landmines to facilitate safe return and reintegration for displaced communities, addressing the significant risks and enhancing safety in previously affected areas.

???? Azerbaijan: 7,135.1 hectares cleared of mines and UXOs over past month

The Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) reported that from August 1 to August 31, mine-clearing operations in Azerbaijan resulted in the discovery and neutralisation of 551 anti-personnel mines, 221 anti-tank mines, and 27,872 unexploded ordnances (UXOs). The operations cleared a total of 7,135.1 hectares of land. Read more here.

???? India: Landmine threat haunts residents of border areas

Residents of border areas face significant dangers from landmines, which remain a persistent threat due to past conflicts. The article emphasises the need for comprehensive mine clearance operations and increased safety measures to protect communities from the risks of unexploded ordnance.

???? Iraq: Mosul's Right Bank still haunted by war remnants, fears of mines and explosives persist

Mosul's Right Bank remains plagued by remnants of war, with ongoing fears of mines and explosives. Despite clearance efforts, the area continues to face significant risks from unexploded ordnance, complicating recovery and reconstruction activities. Read more here.

???? Lebanon: MAG prepares for new contamination in Lebanon

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is preparing for increased contamination in Lebanon due to ongoing conflict and construction projects. The organization plans to enhance its demining operations and safety measures to address new landmines and unexploded ordnance, ensuring effective clearance and support for affected communities.

???? ???? Solomon Islands: US joins WWII UXO removal exercise

The U.S. has joined a WWII unexploded ordnance (UXO) removal exercise in the Solomon Islands. This initiative aims to clear dangerous remnants of war, enhancing safety and facilitating local development by addressing longstanding UXO hazards.

???? Ukraine: Mine Action Office opens in Ukraine

The article announces the opening of a new mine action office in Ukraine. This office will coordinate and enhance efforts in mine clearance, aiming to improve safety and expedite the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas.

???? Ukraine: Demining Ukraine: 17,000 ha of liberated territory cleared in August

In August, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine's mine clearance units cleared 17,368.4 hectares of de-occupied territories from explosive ordnance, with 17,308.65 hectares being agricultural land. Read more here.

???? Ukraine: Clearing mines a ‘massive’ problem in Ukraine, Irish expert says

Ireland should be increasing support for a UN agency training mine clearance specialists in Ukraine, according to an Irish expert. David McMahon, head of the mine action unit at the United Nations Office for Project Services ( UNOPS ), started working in the area of demining in Cambodia during the early 1990s.

???? Vietnam: NPA Vietnam's August 2024 Recap

In August 2024, Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) Vietnam made significant progress in mine action, clearing extensive land areas and disposing of unexploded ordnance. Their operations focused on enhancing safety and supporting community development in affected regions.

???? Vietnam’s Female Deminers: Clearing a Dangerous Legacy

In Vietnam, MAG (Mines Advisory Group) 's female deminers are crucial in clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance. Their work is essential for safety and community recovery, as they tackle hazardous areas and contribute significantly to MAG’s mine action efforts in the region.

???? Yemen: Saudi Arabia’s Masam Project dismantles 1047 land mines in a week

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center ( KSrelief )'s Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen announced that its project succeeded in dismantling 1,047 mines across various Yemeni governorates during the fifth week of August 2024.

???? Yemen: Saudi project clears 766 Houthi mines in Yemen

Members of Saudi Arabia’s Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen removed 766 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included 12 anti-personnel mines, 41 anti-tank mines, 702 unexploded ordnances and 11 explosive devices, according to a recent report. Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

?? Saving Southeast Asia’s Sunken Warships

The article highlights efforts to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) from Southeast Asia's sunken warships. These operations aim to safely dismantle dangerous remnants from past conflicts and prevent environmental hazards, as many warships contain unexploded bombs and mines.

?? The Big Baltic Bomb Cleanup

Extensive cleanup operations are underway in the Baltic Sea to remove unexploded World War II bombs. This project addresses the environmental and safety risks posed by munitions dumped during the war, which have become significant threats over time.

Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:

• ???? Cyprus: Authorities defuse grenade found in Nicosia village. Read more
• ???? India: Manipur Police recover unexploded mortar bombs in Kangpokpi; 212 detained in search ops. Read more
• ???? Ireland: Defence Forces Ordnance Disposal team conduct controlled explosion of device in Cork city. Read more
• ???? Turkey: Century-old cannonballs explode due to wildfire in ?anakkale. Read more
• ???? Ukraine: Russian missiles fail again: Unexploded ordnance found in Lviv oblast. Read more
• ???? Ukraine: An unexploded mine stuck in the asphalt near residential buildings in Novaya Kakhovka. Read more
• ???? United Kingdom: Grenade bought for ￡51 blown up by bomb squad. Read more
• ???? United Kingdom: Unexploded WW2 bomb removed after surprise discovery in Doncaster field. Read more
• ???? United Kingdom: Bomb squad had to destroy a mortar found in a Powys car park. Read more

2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)

3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance

???? Azerbaijan: So far, almost 400 civilians are victims of landmines

The article highlights Azerbaijan's commitment to mine clearance and support for mine victims. The government is enhancing demining efforts to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance, while also providing aid and assistance to those affected by these hazards.

???? Cambodia Participates in European Regional Conference on Mine Action and Victim Assistance, Highlighting Significant Progress and Future Initiatives

Cambodia participated in the European Regional Conference on Mine Action and Victim Assistance, showcasing significant progress in victim support and demining. The conference highlighted Cambodia’s ongoing initiatives and future plans to enhance assistance for landmine victims and improve overall mine action efforts.

???? Sri Lanka: Four women injured in explosion while clearing land mines in Mankulam

Four women were injured when a land mine exploded while they were clearing mines in Mankulam, Vavuniya. Police said the women, who were part of a non-governmental organisation engaged in demining land mines buried by the LTTE, were initially admitted to the Mankulam Hospital.

???? Syria: War ordnance casualties in August 2024 | Nearly 21 civilians, mostly children and women, killed and injured in explosions of war ordnance across Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has monitored and tracked the issue of explosive remnants of war and documented all the casualties in explosions of old landmines and unexploded ordnance across Syria in August 2024; they are as follows:

• Deaths: Six civilians, including three children.
• Wounded people: 15 civilians, including three women and seven children.

Read more here.

???? Yemen: Mine Action Update

The United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) has recorded one explosive ordnance (EO) related incident in Hudaydah Governorate, marking the lowest number of casualties since October 2021. This incident, which occurred in the Hays District, resulted in a total of three civilian casualties, including one woman who was injured.

Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:

• ???? Syria: Four people injured including a child in IED explosion in Daraa. Read more
• ???? Syria: Landmine in Aleppo injures three children displaced from Afrin: Monitor. Read more
• ???? Thailand: Man severely injured by landmine while foraging bamboo shoots. Read more

4. Advocacy, Policy, Strategy and Standards

???? Angola: The global imperative to address Angola’s landmine crisis

The article highlights the urgent need to address Angola's landmine crisis, emphasizing the global responsibility to support demining efforts. It underscores the humanitarian impact of landmines and the importance of international cooperation in clearing affected areas.

???? Azerbaijan: Jan-Erik Enestam: Mine clearance process hampered by Armenia’s refusal to hand over all mine maps

The article highlights that mine clearance efforts in Azerbaijan are hindered by Armenia's refusal to provide complete minefield maps. According to Azerbaijanian officials, this lack of cooperation delays the demining process and complicates efforts to ensure safety and clear affected areas effectively.

???? Cambodia: Siem Reap five-year mine action plan drafted

The five-year Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan, which will be adopted for implementation at November’s 2024 Ottawa Convention meeting in Siem Reap province, has been successfully developed, according to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), which will chair the meeting.

???? Cambodia: Gender, environment, and anti-personnel mines to be introduced into SR-Angkor Action Plan

Cambodia has introduced three new activities into the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025-2029, focusing on gender, the environment, and anti-personnel mines, as part of its commitment to implementing the Ottawa Convention.

???? Ukraine: We are launching a single platform for housing and utility services: Denys Shmyhal

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the launch of a unified platform for housing and communal services. This initiative includes provisions for demining efforts to ensure the safety and functionality of infrastructure in conflict-affected areas.

?? What Are The Consequences Of The Lack Of Control Over Arms proliferation?

The article discusses the urgent need for effective landmine clearance in conflict zones. It highlights the dangers of unexploded ordnance to communities and calls for increased international support and innovative solutions to enhance demining efforts and ensure safer environments for affected populations.

?? From landmines to killer robots — inside the campaigns to ban weapons of war

The podcast discusses the evolution from landmines to autonomous weapons systems, highlighting concerns about the ethical implications and potential dangers of autonomous military technologies. It emphasises the need for regulation to prevent misuse and ensure safety.

5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament

???? Nigeria: Army to commence demolition of unserviceable ordnances in Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade Nigerian Army has announced plans to commence demolition of unserviceable ammunition and explosives at 6 Battalion Range Area of Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends

???? Belgian Innovation in Drone Technology Revolutionises Mine Detection

Belgian innovation in drone technology is potentially supporting mine detection by enhancing accuracy and efficiency. The new drones are equipped with advanced sensors and imaging systems, improving the ability to locate and identify landmines in hazardous areas.

???? Ukraine: Safe Pro AI Completes United Nations Development Programme’s Purchase Order for Artificial Intelligence Minefield Analysis in Ukraine

Safe Pro AI has fulfilled a UN Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ) order for AI-driven minefield analysis in Ukraine. This technology will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mine detection and clearance operations, supporting safer and more effective demining efforts in the region.

?? Can you detect landmines with a drone? These Mechanical Engineering students researched how

Students from the University of Twente researched the use of drones for detecting landmines. Their study explored how drones, equipped with advanced sensors and technology, could improve mine detection efficiency and safety in demining operations.

?? Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Market Study Reveals New Development Opportunities till 2030

According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot market to witness a CAGR of 4.71% during the forecast period (2024-2030). The Latest research study released by HTF MI "Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot Market with 120+ pages of analysis on business Strategy taken up by key and emerging industry players and delivers know-how of the current market development, landscape, technologies, drivers, opportunities, market viewpoint, and status.

7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation

???? ???? Cambodia, China to ink agreement on Cooperation Projects of MLC Special Fund 2024 this week

Cambodia and China are set to sign an agreement this week to enhance cooperation on mine action projects funded by the MLC Special Fund 2024. The partnership aims to improve demining efforts and support landmine clearance initiatives in Cambodia.

???? ???? Cambodia: Germany donates $3.12 million for demining

The Federal Government of Germany is providing $3.12 million under the auspices of Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) to support demining activities in Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey provinces for the next two years.

???? ???? Cambodia: Thuch praises India’s significant role in demining efforts

Since 2022, India has been actively involved in supporting mine clearance efforts and assisting mine-disabled individuals through the provision of artificial limbs. These activities have garnered widespread support within Cambodia, following the call of former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

???? ???? Iraqi Environment Minister Discusses Energy, Climate with British Ambassador

A British delegation met the Iraqi Minister of Environment to review the technical proposals from companies specialising in surveying and mine clearance, explaining that the British loan is intended to assist the Iraqi Mine Action Authority in their endeavours to eliminate mines and cleanse polluted fields, therefore promoting security and stability development in the affected regions. It was noted that the Mine Action Authority has finalised all maps of polluted regions pertaining to the loan criteria. These maps have been distributed to companies with British background to solicit their bids for technical survey, removal, and quality control services.

???? ???? Papua New Guinea: USD 2.25 million US Bomb Project

The article reports on Papua New Guinea's USD 2.25 million project to clear unexploded US bombs from World War II. The initiative aims to enhance safety and support development by addressing the hazards posed by these remnants of war.

???? ???? Solomon Islands: SI, US sign bilateral explosive ordinance deal

Solomon Islands and the U.S. have signed a bilateral agreement to address explosive ordnance. The deal aims to enhance cooperation in clearing unexploded ordnance and improving safety measures, addressing the threat of unexploded munitions in the Solomon Islands.

???? ???? Syria Mine Action and Livelihoods outcome-based Pilot Project

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s "Syria Mine Action and Livelihoods Outcome-Based Pilot Project" aims to enhance mine clearance and support livelihoods in Syria. It focuses on integrating mine action with economic development to improve safety and boost community resilience.

???? Ukraine: Farmers will receive 100% compensation for demining areas

From now on, farmers will receive 100% compensation for demining agricultural areas. 3 million hryvnias were allocated for this in the state budget. The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine adopted the relevant changes to Resolution No. 284 at a government meeting on August 23, 2024. It enters into force from the day of its publication.

???? ???? Ukraine: Croatia presented Ukraine with a DOK-ING MV-4 mine clearance system

Croatia has donated a Dok-ing MV-4 mine clearance system to Ukraine. This advanced equipment will bolster Ukraine's demining capabilities, enhancing efforts to safely clear landmines and unexploded ordnance, and support reconstruction in conflict-affected areas. Read more here.

???? ???? Ukraine: Non-lethal military support, humanitarian aid, demining: Ukraine and Ireland signed bilateral agreement

Ukraine and Ireland have signed a bilateral agreement to enhance demining efforts. The collaboration aims to improve mine clearance operations in Ukraine, leveraging Ireland's expertise and resources to address landmine hazards more effectively and ensure safer environments.

???? ???? Ukraine: Sweden joined Demining Coalition

Sweden has joined the Demining Coalition and will provide financial support to Ukraine to ensure that demining operations are carried out as soon as possible.

8. Other News

???? India: Landmine survivor shot-putter Hokato Sema wins Paralympics bronze

Landmine-blast survivor Indian shot-putter Hokato Sema came up with his career-best throw of 14.65 metres to secure a bronze medal for the country in the men’s F57 category final at the Paralympic Games on Friday.

???? Ukraine: Russian missile attack destroys shared headquarters of Christian charities in Kyiv, Ukraine

The article reports that a Russian missile attack destroyed the headquarters of Folkekirkens N?dhj?lp (DanChurchAid) (DCA) and NCA ( Norwegian Church Aid / Kirkens N?dhjelp ) in Kyiv. It highlights the ongoing demining work by in collaboration with to address landmine hazards and support affected areas.

???? United Kingdom: Falklands: Operation Manager of Demining Project in the King's Honorary List

The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly and Government House in an official release said they were delighted to learn that former Operations Manager, Phillimon Gonamombe, of the successful 11-year demining project in the Falklands has been appointed as an Honorary MBE by H M The King.

Video

This video shows the work of Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SESU) using dogs to detect explosive ordnance.

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.

• The National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) Development training event, part of the 104th Partnership for Peace Course, will take place from 24-26 September 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. It focuses on developing and implementing national standards for effective mine action. Learn more and register here.
• The 12th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions will be held from 23-27 September 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting aims to review the implementation of the convention and discuss further measures to address cluster munition risks and support affected communities. Register here.
• The next meeting of the Environmental Issues and Mine Action (EIMA) Working Group will be on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, 2024 from 14:00 – 15:00 CET. Learn more here.
• The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Regional Cooperation Programme (EECCA RCP) is organising an EECCA Regional IMSMA Core Workshop from 10 to 11 September 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. 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.
• The Countering Explosive Threat and Demining Conference will be held on 24-25 September 2024 at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in London, UK. The event will feature experts discussing advancements in explosive threat mitigation and demining technology. Register here to secure your spot.
• The Swiss Government, through the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), has the honour to invite qualified representatives of National Mine Action Authorities (NMAAs) and Mine Action organisations to the NMAS Development training course from 4 to 9 November 2024. Learn more here.
• Throughout 2024, Switzerland will organise a series of events in support of mine action in Ukraine, culminating in the ministerial-level Ukraine Mine Action Conference, taking place on 17-18 October 2024 in Geneva. Read more here.

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