Mine Action Weekly, 22 - 28 April 2024
Markus Schindler
Strategic Development & Innovation Manager at FSD | Editor of Mine Action Weekly | Capacity Development & Localisation Geek | Researcher
Welcome to the latest edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your comprehensive 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
???? Armenian Sappers Initiate Mine Clearance for Border Delimitation with Azerbaijan
Armenian sappers commenced on Monday mine-clearance operations in the territories adjacent to the Saint Mary Church in village of Voskepar. A team of 20-25 sappers has been involved in the demining, which paves the way for border delimitation processes that gained momentum following an agreement last week for the return of four border villages to Azerbaijan.
???? Armenia: Tensions run high in Armenia's Voskepar amid demining
Tensions are running high in Voskepar, a border village in Armenia’s Tavush Province, where local residents have been protesting against the planned land handover to Azerbaijan for the third day on Monday. The protesting villagers attempted to prevent NSS officers from demining the area near the Holy Mother of God Church in Voskepar in preparation for the surrender of border areas to Azerbaijan, but were stopped by police officers deployed to the area.
???? Azerbaijan: Some of mines found in liberated territories last week
Over the past week, 15 to 21 April 2024, Azerbaijani mine action actors detected and neutralised 39 anti-tank mines, 12 anti-personnel mines, and 452 unexploded ordnance, clearing 1,429.1 hectares of land of mines.
???? Estonia: Open Spirit 24 discovers 40 historical ordnances in Estonian waters
NATO allied mine clearing exercise Open Spirit 24 discovered dozens of historical ordnances in Estonia's economic area during the two-week exercise that ended on Friday. During this period, 302 mine anchors, 37 mines, one torpedo, and two other historical ordnances were found. Together with previously discovered explosives, a total of 43 historical ordnances were countermined during the operation.
???? Germany: NRW: Fewer World War II bombs discovered
The number of discovered World War II bombs has recently tended to decline in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is particularly polluted. The corona pandemic and the weak construction sector played a role. However, according to government estimates, the recovery and defusing of unexploded bombs combined with extensive cordoning off and evacuations of buildings remains a task for a long time.
???? Greece: 314 WWII bombs discovered at Elliniko development site
A total 314 World War Two bombs have been discovered during work on a massive urban development project at the former airport complex of Elliniko south of Athens.
???? Iraq: UNMAS Iraq Programme Report 2023
In 2023, UNMAS's partners in Iraq surveyed over 30.5 million sqm and cleared 673,041 explosive ordnances, focusing on capacity enhancement and sustainable mine action. The strategy included extensive community education on explosive threats and supported Iraq’s transition from emergency response to autonomous mine action development.
???? Lebanon's mine clearers risk death to heal the legacy of civil war
The vital work of clearing the land of these deadly devices has been rendered even more difficult by the explosion of violence since October.
???? North Korea: Landmines buried on all roads connecting north and south
Landmines were buried not only on the Gyeongui and East Sea roads but also on the Arrowhead Hill roads, cutting off all land connections connecting the two Koreas. North Korea reportedly laid landmines on the road at the end of last year.
???? Palestine: UN official says it could take 14 years to clear debris in Gaza
The vast amount of rubble including unexploded ordnance left by Israel's devastating war in the Gaza Strip could take about 14 years to remove, a United Nations official said.
???? Palestine: UK charity surveys unexploded bombs to ensure Gaza safety
Humanity & Inclusion UK , together with 国际助残 , is surveying unexploded ordnance in Gaza to ensure community safety. The group identifies, assesses, and prioritises the removal of explosive remnants in Deir al-Balah to prevent civilian interactions and accidents.
???? Romania approves participation in the Black Sea mine clearance initiative
As a result of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the threat of floating mines laid by both states has increased, affecting the safety of shipping and the population as “proven by the numerous incidents in the Black Sea, near Romania’s borders”, the Romanian president wrote in a letter. Romanian lawmakers on Monday approved President Klaus Iohannis’ proposal for the country to take part in the Turkish initiative to clear the Black Sea of mines.
???? Russia: Moscow’s Spring Thaw Reveals Downed Unexploded Ukrainian Drones
As the snows in the Moscow region melt, at least a dozen downed Ukrainian drones containing explosives have been unearthed in popular leisure areas.
???? Syria remains country hardest hit by landmines due to casualties, says UN official
Landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices continue to cause death and injury, especially around armed conflicts, with one person on average killed every hour, with Syria hit hardest, a UN official said Friday.
???? Ukraine: Understanding the environmental impacts of war in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has severe environmental impacts, affecting ecosystems and livelihoods through pollution and infrastructure damage. Norwegian People's Aid, in collaboration with the Conflict and Environment Observatory, documents these effects to strengthen laws protecting the environment and civilians.
???? Ukrainian sappers neutralised more than 4,000 explosives in past week
In the past week, demining units of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's State Special Transport Service have cleared 3,430.74 hectares of territories, found and neutralised 4,140 explosive objects. During the week, the largest number of explosive items – 2,983 - were found and neutralised in the Kharkiv region.
???? Ukraine: ?We learn all our lives?: sappers from the Kherson region told how long it takes to learn how to demine fields in the de-occupied territories
In the Kherson region, sappers from the 808th brigade have surveyed over 10,000 hectares and cleared about 1,500 explosive devices in 8 months. Their meticulous process involves preliminary surveys and demarcation before safe demolition or defusal, highlighting the intense and continuous nature of mine clearance efforts.
???? Ukraine: Mechanical demining operations are gaining momentum in Mykolaiv Oblast
On 20 April, the Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehj?lp (DRC) held a demonstration of a GCS-200 demining machine in Mykolaiv. This is the first machine of this type that the organisation is starting to use in Ukraine.
???? Ukraine’s landmine crisis
Two years into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country is now the most mine-littered country in the world. About a third of Ukraine is contaminated by Russian landmines and other explosives. Aid groups warn the massive effort to clear the mines could take a generation or more.
???? Ukraine: Self-demining: why farmers of the Mykolaiv region and Kherson region have to survey their lands themselves
In the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions of Ukraine, farmers are compelled to undertake risky self-demining of their agricultural lands due to severe economic pressures. Despite the high risks and the tragedy of 610 injuries and 277 deaths over two years, the urgent need for land use for survival pushes them into these dangerous activities.
???? Vietnam: Training course opened for mine action workers
A pre-deployment training course for captains and technicians of the mine action for the Republic of Korea (RoK) - Vietnam Peace Village project was opened in Hà N?i on April 22. The course, to last until April 28, is organised by the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) , and the UN Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ).
???? Yemen: Halo Trust Calls for Focus on Peace Efforts, Mine Clearance in Yemen
The HALO Trust has called for increased peace efforts and focused mine clearance activities in Yemen, where landmines and unexploded ordnance pose severe risks, especially during ceasefires when civilians return to their homes. The situation is particularly dire in Taiz, where explosive hazards in urban areas demand specialized clearance strategies.
???? Yemen: Saudi project clears 797 mines in Yemen
Saudi Arabia’s Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen cleared 797 mines in Yemen from 20 - 26 April, and destroyed 681 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 110 anti-tank mines, five improvised explosive devices, and one anti-personnel mine.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
???? Cambodia: CMAA issues measures to avoid UXO
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has outlined four precautionary measures to stop people from handling unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines to prevent injuries and save lives.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
???? Azerbaijan: Joy turns into mourning as landmine claims lives
In Azerbaijan, a family's return to their village after 30 years ends tragically with a landmine explosion on the eve of Novruz, killing two. Since November 2020, landmines and unexploded ordnance have caused 350 casualties in post-conflict areas, despite cessation of active hostilities.
???? Cambodia: 20 Cambodian soldiers killed in ammunition base explosion
Twenty Cambodian soldiers have been killed in an ammunition explosion at an army base in Kampong Speu province to the west of the capital. The blast also wounded several soldiers, with the army saying that an entire truck of munitions had exploded.
???? India: Paris 2024: Landmine blast survivor Narayana Konganapalle combines with Anita to secure Paralympic quota in rowing
From the jaws of death, trapped in a landmine blast while serving the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir, which left him with an amputated left leg (below the knee), Narayana Konganapalle secured the 2024 Paris Paralympics quota in the mixed double sculls event at the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Olympic and Paralympic Qualification 2024.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
领英推荐
4. Advocacy and Policy
???? Azerbaijan: Aghdam hosts meeting of task force addressing landmines, unexploded ordnance
The working group for clearing mines and unexploded ordnance, operating under the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters, created in connection with the centralised resolution of issues in Azerbaijan's liberated territories has visited Aghdam.
???? Cambodia remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Ottawa Convention, PM reaffirms
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and Destruction of Mines,” known as the Ottawa Convention.
???? Cambodia: CMAA urges three nations to join the Ottawa Treaty
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) requested the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Tonga on Tuesday to join the other 164 countries attending the Ottawa Convention 5th Review Meeting chaired and hosted by Cambodia.
???? Cambodia: Ly Thuch holds bilateral meeting with Lenora Qereqeretabua to seek support for the globalisation of the Ottawa Convention
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the Mine Authority and President of the 2024 Ottawa Convention, held a bilateral meeting with Lenora Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Fiji, to seek support for globalisation of the anti-personnel mine action convention (Ottawa Convention) as Cambodia chairs and hosts the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World from November 25–29, 2024.
?? Latest Submission of Article 7 Reports
In compliance with their obligation under Article 7, paragraph 2 of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on the Destruction to provide updated transparency information annually, Belarus, Denmark, Hungary, Mauritius, Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, United Kingdom, Yemen, Zimbabwe, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have submitted their reports to the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.
?? Geneva Press Briefing: OHCHR, IFRC, UNMAS, WHO
Watch the UN Geneva press briefing with Stefano Toscano , Director of Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and Christelle Loupforest , OIC United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Geneva on the 27th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN27).
5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
???? Ukraine Is Riddled With Land Mines. Drones and AI Can Help
Startup Safe Pro Group Inc. is enhancing mine clearance using drones and AI, demonstrated effectively in a large-scale test by the UN. Their technology rapidly identifies and maps landmines over extensive areas, promising to enhance the efficiency and safety of demining operations in Ukraine and potentially globally.
???? US Army tests innovative solution to neutralise landmines
The U.S. Army is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to detect and neutralise these deadly hazards of landmines in warzones from a safe distance. Amit Makhijani from the office of Project Manager Close Combat Systems revealed that dynamic live fire testing is underway for a potential solution known as GOBLN, or Ground Obstacle Breaching Lane Neutralizer.
?? 2023 Innovation Conference report
The report from Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) 's 2023 Innovation Conference is now available. It includes session summaries and key outcomes of the 6 key themes critical to innovation in explosive ordnance risk reduction, as well as 11 breakout sessions, and speed-pitch sessions and exhibits on technologies, innovative ideas and projects.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
???? Angola: It will cost US$238 million to completely rid Angola of landmines
Angola, one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, needs more than US$238 million to completely clear landmines and other explosives that still remain from some 40 years of conflict. That’s according to Leonardo Sapalo, general director of the National Mine Action Agency.
???? ???? Egypt: Al-Mashat Stresses Importance of Partnership with UNDP to Promote SDGs
Egypt emphasises the importance of UNDP partnerships in advancing Sustainable Development Goals and national initiatives like the northwest coast development, including mine action efforts. These joint endeavours focus on integrating mine victims into the economy and enhancing regional development through comprehensive mine clearance.
???? ???? Philippines: Balikatan 24: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training
U.S. Marines with 3rd Explosive Ordnance Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group; 1st EOD Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG, and service members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines conduct a controlled demolition range during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, 26 April 2024.
???? ???? Ukraine: Canadian instructors train Ukrainian recruits in demining
The Armed Forces of Canada showed pictures of Ukrainian servicemen being trained in mine clearance.
???? ???? Ukraine: The Head of the UN in Ukraine, Denise Brown, meets in Kyiv the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland, Ville Tavio
Denise Brown, the Head of the UN in Ukraine, met with Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, to discuss support for Ukraine. Finland has contributed USD 55 million to finance projects, including humanitarian mine clearance, as part of its support for peace and security initiatives in Ukraine.
???? ???? Ukraine: German Ambassador to Ukraine attends deminer training in Mykolaiv
German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger has attended a training for mine clearance experts and observed the "demonstration of a new demining machine" as part of his trip to Mykolaiv. He also said that Germany has made a significant contribution to clearing land in Ukraine of mines and added that the Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehj?lp (DRC) in Ukraine and The HALO Trust are Germany’s key partners in this effort.
???? ???? Ukraine: The Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia will provide the SES with underwater drones for demining
The Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia purchased 4 underwater demining drones, with financial assistance from Slovakia, that will be handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine to defuse explosive ordnance and restore Ukrainian water areas.
???? ???? Ukraine Strengthens Its Demining Operations With Swiss GCS-200 Demining Vehicles
Mechanical demining operations in Ukraine, particularly in the Mykolaiv region, are gaining momentum thanks to a crucial contribution from the German Federal Foreign Office. The Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehj?lp (DRC) is benefiting from this financial support for the acquisition and operation of two GCS-200 demining machines. The first of these machines has already been delivered, while the second is expected next month.
???? ???? Ukraine: U.S. Security Cooperation with Ukraine: Fact Sheet
The United States has provided extensive security assistance to Ukraine, including in the area of mine clearance. This includes training, equipment for mine clearing, and emergency support, highlighting the critical and ongoing collaboration between the two nations in response to Russia's invasion.
???? UNMAS 2023 Annual Report
In 2023, UNMAS through its implementing partners destroyed 137,299 explosive remnants of war and 2,820 landmines, and delivered mine education to over 4.9 million people.
8. Other News
???? Australia: This 200kg bomb was designed to inflict maximum damage. Gavin Stevens’ job was defusing it
In Iraq 2003, Gavin Stevens, an Australian Defence Force sailor, faced the daunting task of defusing a 200kg bomb equipped with acoustic and seismic sensors and magnetic detectors sensitive to even a boot's metal eyelet. His job was to neutralise this potentially deadly device designed to inflict maximum damage.
???? Sri Lanka: Human skeletons recovered in Muhamalai demining site
A group of non-governmental organisation workers, engaged in demining activities in Muhamalai in the Pallai police area, discovered a uniform along with several human skeletons buried in the ground.
???? Ukraine: Highland surgeon reflects on return visit to Ukraine with the HALO Trust
As a medical adviser with The HALO Trust , Mr Kent’s role was to assess the medical programme in the country and to ensure that training, equipment and casualty management plans are in place. To do this, he visited the main areas where HALO is active, running casualty evacuation exercises on various sites.
???? United States: Pentagon dedicates exhibit to Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal
The Pentagon has dedicated a corridor to the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) mission, celebrating the history and sacrifice of EOD technicians. This new exhibit, which took 17 months to develop, showcases items, photos, and stories from the EOD community, highlighting their critical role in both military and civilian safety worldwide.
???? United States: 55th Annual EOD Memorial Ceremony Set for May 4
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal community honours EOD personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty at this annual ceremony. EOD technicians are highly trained, skilled experts in explosives, diving, and parachuting, who share the task of rendering safe and disposing of explosive material. They protect and save lives by analysing and handling foreign, domestic, and home-made explosives.
?? Mr Aksel Steen-Nilsen appointed new Director of Mine Action and Disarmament at NPA
Mr Aksel Steen-Nilsen has been appointed as the Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) new Director of Humanitarian Mine Action and Disarmament.
Videos
Jonathon Guthrie , Director of Operations at Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp , Federico Dessi , Middle East Director at 国际助残 , and Raja Khalidi, Director General of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) discuss the EO contamination in Gaza.
After two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, officials say Ukraine is one of the most mined countries in the world. As Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv, besides threatening human lives, mines also affect the environment.
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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You may watch video, US Army tests to neutralise landmines, Ground Obstacle Breaching Lane Neutralizer (GOBLN) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkrUoDV3spI