Mine Action Weekly, 20 - 26 May 2024
Markus Schindler
Strategic Development & Innovation Manager at FSD | Editor of Mine Action Weekly | Capacity Development & Localisation Geek | Researcher
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
???? Afghanistan: Mines, unexploded ordnance a daily menace for Afghanistan’s children
Afghan children face daily threats from landmines and unexploded ordnance left after decades of conflict. These hazards have killed or injured hundreds, mostly children, since January 2023. Efforts by organisations like The HALO Trust are crucial but hampered by limited funding.
???? Azerbaijan: 16 unexploded ordnances neutralised over past week
During mine-clearing operations from 13 to 19 May, 24 anti-personnel mines, 11 anti-tank mines, and 16 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) were discovered and neutralised. A total of 308.7 hectares of land were cleared from mines and UXOs. Read more here.
???? Azerbaijan: ANAMA briefs US delegation on landmine challenges in liberated territories
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency has met with a delegation which included officials and public representatives, led by the head of the Azerbaijan Society operating in Maine (USA). The delegation was briefed on the agency's history, general directions, the mine problem in liberated territories, the effects of mines on human life and the environment, as well as humanitarian demining operations.
???? Ukraine: Formerly a construction worker and a manicurist, now deminers. How civilians take part in demining
Ukrainian civilians have become deminers, playing a vital role in The HALO Trust 's demining efforts in the Kharkiv region. Their meticulous work involves locating and marking unexploded ordnance and other deadly explosives, significantly contributing to making the land safe for future use.
???? Ukraine: Demining of the Mykolaiv region: almost 24,000 munitions were destroyed
As of 21 May, the pyrotechnic units of the Mykolaiv Garrison State Emergency Service removed and destroyed 23,663 munitions through controlled detonation. More than 50,000 hectares of the region's territories were surveyed, 7,029 hectares of which were demined.
???? Ukraine: ?A dog risks his life more than a man?: how Alf and Quad look for landmines in the fields of Mykolaiv Oblast
Sniper dogs, together with their partners — young Belgian shepherds Quad and Alf, are inspecting the de-occupied territory of the Mykolaiv region. Together they find explosive objects left over from shelling and active hostilities.
???? United Kingdom: Offshore wind taps military know-how for first time over giant WW2 bomb
An offshore wind developer has employed what is claimed to be a safer, more environmentally friendly method of disposing of unexploded bombs until now only used by the military to clear a huge German World War 2 era mine and other ordnance.
???? Yemen: Houthi Landmines Claim Lives, Livelihoods
Landmines laid by Houthi forces and others in Yemen continue to kill and cause serious injuries to civilians in areas where active hostilities have ceased and are preventing farmers from accessing their land, Human Rights Watch said. Yemeni law and the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty prohibit any use of antipersonnel landmines under any circumstances.
???? Yemen: UNOPS official commends Masam work in Yemen
The mine action adviser at the UN Office for Project Services ( UNOPS ), Charles Frizby, has commended the work of Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen teams in Taiz governorate, Yemen. The praise came during Frizby’s visit to Project Masam’s Team 22 in Taiz, where he was accompanied by Abdul-Qawi Al-Mekhlafi, the deputy governor of Taiz.
???? Zimbabwe: Govt to reengage Red Cross on demining
The Zimbabwean government is planning to reengage the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) on humanitarian training and demining, according to the Defence minister.
?? Black Sea demining action to be carried out jointly with Romania, Turkey & Bulgaria naval forces
The mine clearance action in the Black Sea, carried out jointly by the naval forces of Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria, will be operationalised shortly, the Romanian prime minister said Tuesday, in a joint statement delivered alongside the Turkish president.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
???? Afghanistan: Aid worker safeguards her community in contaminated land
An Afghan aid worker educates her community on the dangers of unexploded ordnance, significantly reducing casualties and enhancing safety. Her efforts are crucial in mitigating risks from contaminated land, fostering a safer environment for local residents.
???? Azerbaijan: OSCE fully aware of critical importance of addressing issue of landmines and related hazards
The OSCE, recognizing the critical importance of addressing landmines and related hazards, is committed to supporting Azerbaijan in mitigating these risks. Efforts include awareness-raising and capacity-building to ensure a safe environment for conflict-affected communities, with ongoing bilateral assistance from various OSCE member states.
???? Myanmar: Awareness of Major Landmine Risk in Conflict Zones Needs to be Improved
A representative of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), underscored ongoing deficiencies in landmine risk education programmes, amidst the continuing conflict in Karenni (Kayah) State.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
???? Afghanistan: Official Calls Attention to Persistent Danger of Unexploded Ordnance
Afghanistan's head of Coordination, Cooperation, and Mine Clearance, stated that since the beginning of 2024, "nearly 50 people have been killed and more than 150 injured" due to landmines and other explosive materials.
???? Myanmar: Junta’s Landmines Injure at Least 10 in Mone Township
Since April, landmines planted by Junta troops in Mone Township, Nyaunglebin District, 10 residents have injured at least 10 villagers in a district where the 3rd Brigade of the Karen National Union (KNU) operates, according to local sources.
?? Double jeopardy – during and after conflict: The human cost of weapon contamination in Asia-Pacific
A normal day, a daily chore, a deafening blast, moments of chaos and then a life forever shaken and disrupted – that's how victims of landmine explosions or incidents involving unexploded ordnance would describe what they have endured. The International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC stories from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan and the Philippines, of people who give a name and face to the human cost of weapon contamination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
4. Advocacy and Policy
???? Holy See urges effective protection of civilians in war zones
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations reiterated the Holy See's repeated calls for the cessation of production, stockpiling, and use of indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines, cluster munitions and explosive weapons in populated areas. While commending the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) for its work he urged the implementation of the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
???? Ukraine Now among World’s Most Heavily Mine-Contaminated States, Disarmament Chief Tells Security Council, Calling for Immediate End to Use of Indiscriminate Weapons
Ukraine is among the world's most heavily mine-contaminated states, requiring decades for clearance. The UN calls for an immediate end to using indiscriminate weapons like anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions, stressing the need for responsible arms transfers to ensure long-term peace.
???? United States: Rep. Crawford Introduces EOD Legislation
Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced a series of bills this week that will improve the welfare of the US military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel.
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5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament
???? India: Cops unearth land and directional mines a week ahead of counting
The police of Alluri Sitarama Raju district unearthed an explosive dump allegedly belonging to the banned CPI Maoists, just a week before the election counting.
?? Countering a surge of armed violence in Latin America & the Caribbean
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is addressing the surge in armed violence in Latin America and the Caribbean by managing arms and ammunition, safely disposing of surplus munitions, and providing risk education on small arms and light weapons. These efforts aim to mitigate the humanitarian impact and enhance community safety.
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
???? Cambodia: New technology en route for mine action
The Humanitarian Demining Research and Development (HD R&D) Programme, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) and demining operators are currently holding discussions on the use of new technologies for better, faster, safer, lower cost and more efficient demining operations.
???? Russia tests new robotic demining system
Russian experts are finalising tests on a new robotic demining system. The system can detect and neutralise surface and buried mines, creating safe corridors for deminers and significantly reducing risks.
???? Ukraine tests “Solomandra” land drone for mine clearance operations
Ukraine has trialed the “Solomandra” robotic platform, an unmanned ground vehicle intended to clear anti-personnel mines, facilitating demining operations while minimising risks to personnel.
?? Boosting Land Mine Clearance with Field-Focused Workflows
The HALO Trust uses advanced GIS and GNSS technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of landmine clearance. These tools enable precise mapping and data collection, enhancing safety and effectiveness in identifying and removing unexploded ordnance, thus aiding recovery in conflict-affected regions.
?? AI can predict landmine areas from satellite images
AI can predict the location of landmines with up to 92 per cent accuracy, making removal of the deadly devices faster and more efficient, say researchers.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
???? ???? Afghanistan: UN stresses support for clearing unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General expresses support for efforts to find a sustainable solution to clearing unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan.
???? Azerbaijan: Envoy: Int’l community provides insufficient support to Azerbaijan in solving landmine problem
The international community provides insufficient support to Azerbaijan’s efforts to resolve the landmine problem, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands said at an international conference on mine issues organised by 荷兰莱顿大学 and the Dutch non-governmental organisation MINE MARK Foundation .
???? Cambodia: Ly Thuch discusses partnership and cooperation with ICRC
Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice President of the Mine Authority, met Fahad Ahmed, Legal Advisor of the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC on May 23, to discuss partnership and cooperation in humanitarian mine action.
???? Cambodia's senior official calls for stronger support to achieve country's 2025 mine-free target
Ly Thuch, senior minister and first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), called for stronger support from friendly countries and development partners to achieve the kingdom's 2025 mine-free goal.
???? ???? Cambodia: Chinese Ambassador reaffirms continued support for demining work in Cambodia
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Cambodia reiterated that China continues to strongly support Cambodia’s efforts to clear mines and explosive remnants of war until Cambodia is free from the threat of unexploded ordnance.
???? ???? Cambodia: Director of CMAC meets with US delegation to enhance collaboration
Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, met with a delegation of the United States from the Department of Defense (R&D team) and Pacific Commands (HMA team) as well as representatives from the US Embassy to strengthen technical cooperation.
???? Ukraine: The star of “Supernatural” Misha Collins is again in Ukraine: collecting money for demining
Actor Misha Collins, known for "Supernatural," is in Ukraine to raise funds for demining efforts. His visit aims to support the purchase of equipment to clear unexploded ordnance. Collins previously raised $450,000 for this cause and continues to advocate for demining Ukraine.
???? ???? Ukraine: Ambassador of Ukraine: ‘We appreciate Azerbaijan’s support in the issue of mine clearance’
The Ukrainian ambassador expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's support in mine clearance efforts. This cooperation contributes to Ukraine's efforts to mitigate the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and ensures the safety and rehabilitation of affected areas.
???? ???? Ukraine: The State Emergency Service of Ukraine held a meeting with the Japanese partners on demining in Ukraine
Ukrainian State Emergency Service officials met with Japanese partners, including the Embassy of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) , to discuss ongoing support for demining efforts. Japan has provided significant assistance, including vehicles and equipment. Further cooperation on technical support and training for Ukrainian deminers was also discussed.
???? ???? ???? Ukraine: Republic of Korea contributes $8 million to UNDP for humanitarian mine action in Ukraine
The Republic of Korea will contribute U.S. $8 million to the United Nations Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ) to expand mine action activities in war-affected communities. The Korean-funded initiative will focus on boosting area-based innovative technologies in landmine clearance, raising capacities to ensure public safety from landmines, and improving access to rehabilitation for mine victims at the local level.
???? ???? Ukraine: UK transfers 80 air defense missiles, more than 1 mln rounds of ammunition, drones and mine clearance systems to Ukraine
The Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom has announced the transfer of a new package of military assistance to Ukraine, including 20 mine clearance systems.
???? ???? ???? Vietnam: Cooperation in Mine Action to Foster Safety and Local Development in Central Viet Nam
With the support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) , the Viet Nam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ), officially launched the Mine Action for the Korea – Viet Nam Peace Village Project (KVPVP) in Binh Dinh province on 23 May 2024.
8. Other News
???? Afghan mine-clearer killed by Taliban after it sees him in Emmy-winning film
An Afghan contractor who worked for the US military was killed by the Taliban after appearing in an Emmy-winning documentary despite warnings it would endanger him, according to a report.
???? Cambodia: “Just stay on this side of the waterfall”: Angelina Jolie Couldn’t Fathom When She Was Asked to Avoid Real Land Mines While Shooting in Cambodia
When Angelina Jolie first arrived in Cambodia to shoot Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, she was made aware of land mines that were scattered all around the country after the Khmer Rouge’s fall in 1979. Considering it was the first Hollywood production to be shot in Cambodia after the war, she recalled being restricted from moving around freely for the shoot due to the country’s landmine issue.
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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EOD Engineer at The Development Initiative Limited (TDI)
9 个月Good point! Insightful