Mine Action Weekly, 4 - 10 November 2024
Markus Schindler
Program Manager at FSD | Expert in Mine Action Capacity Development & Localisation | Published Researcher | Editor of Mine Action Weekly
Welcome to a fresh edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter, your go-to source for the most important global updates from the mine action sector. Read about the latest news on EO contamination & clearance, EORE, accidents and victim assistance, advocacy efforts, stockpile destruction, mine action innovation & technology, and assistance, cooperation & funding - right here, every Monday. Dive right in and stay up-to-date!
Disclaimers:
Weekly News Roundup
The weekly news roundup showcases a low-down of the top mine action news and insights from the past seven days.
1. EO Contamination, Clearance & Land Release
???? Azerbaijan defuses nearly 240 landmines in liberated areas over past week
During the demining operations conducted in the liberated Azerbaijani territories over the past week, 164 anti-personnel and 73 anti-tank mines, as well as 7,421 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) were found and neutralised, ANAMA said in a statement. As a result, over 2,270 hectares have been cleared of landmines and UXOs.
???? Cambodia: How demining transformed the village of Yem Yon
Since 国际助残 ’s local partner, Cambodian Self Help Demining (CHSD), cleared the area at the beginning of the year, Yem Yon has at last been able to cultivate his land in safety after decades of danger. Read more here.
???? Estonia: The Estonian Navy, allies, hunt for historical explosives in Estonian waters
On 4 November, the Estonian Navy, together with NATO’s Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, began a ten-day mine clearance operation in Estonian waters, during which the Navy will search for, identify and neutralise historical explosives in P?rnu Bay and the southern part of V?inameri.
???? Libya: 444m square metres of land in Libya contaminated by landmines, UN warns
The UN reports that over 444 million square meters of land in Libya are contaminated by landmines and war remnants, posing significant risks to civilians. This year, landmines have caused 16 casualties, including children, highlighting the urgent need for extensive demining efforts.
???? Myanmar: Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance Threaten Lives of Hsipaw Residents
Residents of Hsipaw, Myanmar, face ongoing threats from landmines and unexploded ordnance left from recent conflicts. Despite the TNLA forces' control of the area, clearance efforts remain insufficient. Recent incidents include injuries from landmines and fatalities from mishandling explosives, underscoring the urgent need for demining operations.
???? Myanmar: Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance Block Displaced Residents from Returning to AA-Controlled Areas
Displaced residents in Myanmar's Rakhine State face ongoing challenges returning home due to widespread landmines and unexploded ordnance in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). Despite the desire to return, fear of hidden explosives and limited services like healthcare and education deter many from resettling.
???? North Macedonia: Explosive Legacy: North Macedonia Town Lies on ‘Carpet’ of Long-Buried Bombs
The article discusses a North Macedonian town facing risks from unexploded bombs buried since past conflicts. The legacy of buried explosives poses safety threats to residents, complicating land use and emphasising the need for extensive demining to ensure community safety and development.
???? Palestine: Gaza: Over 42 Million Tons of Debris and High Concentration of Explosives (UN)
The UN reports that Gaza faces over 4.2 million tons of debris, much of it contaminated with high concentrations of explosives due to ongoing conflict. This situation poses severe risks for residents and complicates cleanup, underscoring the need for extensive demining and debris management.
???? Sudan: UN Experts Urge Action for Civilian Protection in Sudan as Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
The experts detailed the widespread use of heavy artillery, airstrikes, and explosive weaponry by both sides, which has inflicted severe casualties and left civilians in grave danger from unexploded ordnance.
???? Ukraine expands demining job opportunities for veterans and disabled
Four Ukrainians who were injured by explosive devices have found employment with The HALO Trust , where they use satellite and drone data analysis to locate mined areas, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
???? Ukraine: MoD sappers demine over 20K ha of contaminated land in October
In October, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense demined over 20,300 hectares, including farmland and roads, removing 8,206 explosive objects. More than 1,100 operatives with specialised equipment participated weekly, supported by increased certified mine action operators and recent demining resources from Lithuania.
???? In Ukraine, the training of the first military environmental auditors in the field of humanitarian demining has begun
For the first time in Ukraine, courses have been launched to train military environmental auditors in the field of humanitarian demining. After completing the training, future specialists will document audit checks and prepare working and final reports in accordance with EU environmental legislation.
???? Ukraine: The Association of Sappers of Ukraine completed a large-scale project
The Ukrainian Deminers Association , in collaboration with the Canadian-Ukrainian Foundation, completed a one-year project focusing on mine risk education, victim assistance, and non-technical surveys across affected regions. They trained locals, supported 166 mine victims, and assessed 78 million m2 for explosive contamination, significantly exceeding targets.
???? Ukraine: Safe Pro Group Surpasses 10,000 Mine Detections in Ukraine, Boosting Global Food Security and Land Reclamation Efforts
Safe Pro Group, in partnership with NIBULON Ltd. , has surpassed 10,000 mine detections in Ukraine, utilising AI-driven drone technology through SpotlightAI?. This achievement supports land reclamation and boosts global food security by enabling safe agricultural operations in war-impacted areas.
???? Ukraine: Mine clearance cluster of Ukraine: from innovations in humanitarian demining to restoration of disturbed lands
A press conference hosted by Interfax-Ukraine highlights Ukraine’s Mine Clearance Cluster’s focus on advancing humanitarian demining and land restoration. Key figures will discuss innovations, coordination with international partners, and efforts to reclaim contaminated areas, aiming for comprehensive mine action solutions in Ukraine.
???? Yemen: Masam Project Helps Clear 636 Houthi Mines in Yemen during the last Week of October
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's ( KSrelief ) Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen , which focuses on clearing mines in Yemen, successfully dismantled a total of 636 Houthi mines in various regions during the last week of October. This included 4 anti-personnel mines, 36 anti-tank mines, and 596 unexploded ordnance items. Since the project began, a total of 468,670 Houthi mines have been cleared.
???? Yemen: Mine Action Update, October 2024
In October 2024, Yemen's Hudaydah Governorate saw landmine incidents resulting in one injury and one fatality. UNMHA held coordination meetings with mine action stakeholders, including YEMAC and NGOs, to enhance strategic planning for mine clearance and monitoring hazardous areas in ports, aiming to improve civilian safety.
???? Yemen: Turning the tide: How civilians hoarding weapons for personal gain are now handing over thousands of landmines
Civilians who had previously hoarded weapons, including landmines, are now surrendering them in significant numbers. This shift reflects growing awareness of the dangers and the impact of community safety initiatives, leading to safer environments as individuals contribute to demining efforts.
?? How conflict impacts our environment
Conflict significantly harms the environment, with unexploded ordnance (UXO) contaminating land and water, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and communities. UXOs hinder agriculture, pollute resources, and endanger wildlife, underscoring the need for environmental restoration and comprehensive demining efforts post-conflict.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
???? Ukraine: Rapid Needs Assessment Report (Donetska, Kharkivska and Khersonska oblasts)
A rapid needs assessment by Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp in Ukraine's Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions reveals that many participants lack a full understanding of the risks associated with explosive ordnance. The findings highlight an urgent need for enhanced risk education to improve community safety and awareness.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
???? Ethiopia: ‘I lost my leg on the way home from school’
The article shares the story of a young person in Ethiopia who lost a leg due to a landmine explosion while walking home from school. It highlights the impact of unexploded ordnance on civilians, particularly children, and underscores the need for intensified demining efforts to prevent such tragedies.
???? Lao children the most common victims of unexploded ordnance accidents, statistics reveal
48 UXO-related incidents have occurred so far this year, in which nine people were killed. 62.5 percent of those injured or killed were children, with most accidents caused by children playing with explosives.
???? Libya: UN: 16 people killed in Libya due to landmine explosions since beginning of year
UN on Monday reported that 16 people, including children, have died in Libya since the beginning of the year due to explosions from landmines and unexploded remnants of war.
???? Ukraine: 1068 people are injured in Ukraine due to enemy mines and explosive devices, 100 of them are children
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 1,068 Ukrainians, including 100 children, have been injured by landmines and explosive devices. Most affected are farmers and critical infrastructure workers, highlighting the urgent need for intensified demining efforts to safeguard civilians.
???? Yemen: Victim Assistance in Yemen: Addressing the Urgent Needs of Landmine Survivors
The Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehj?lp (DRC), with EU support, provided essential medical and psychological aid to Yemeni landmine survivors over the past year. Highlighting cases like Labeeb’s and Saeed’s, the DRC emphasizes the need for comprehensive victim assistance, covering healthcare, psychological support, and livelihood restoration to help survivors rebuild their lives amid Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
4. Advocacy, Policy, Strategy and Standards
???? Ukraine Demining Cluster develops program of returning contaminated land to use by 2040
The Ukraine Demining Cluster has developed a comprehensive demining program aimed at returning contaminated land to productive use by 2040. The initiative involves over 60 international and domestic partners, utilizing advanced technologies, including drones and mechanized equipment, to streamline demining and reduce reliance on manual efforts. The program includes stages for territory scanning, mechanized demining, land reclamation, and environmental restoration, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and sustainable land recovery. Legislative improvements and funding support are sought to enhance these efforts.
?? ???? Ottawa Convention President, Cambodia, to focus on ending suffering caused by landmines
With the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit drawing near, First Vice-President of Cambodian Mine and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) during an exclusive interview with Khmer Times, said that Cambodia as Ottawa Convention President will focus on the ending of pain and suffering caused by anti-personnel mines globally.
?? GICHD Insights to Support 5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
As the 5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) approaches in Cambodia, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) has released a series of analytical briefs to aid stakeholders. Covering sustainable development, inclusive data systems, environmental impacts, and planning for completion under the Convention, these resources are designed to help advance treaty goals and address emerging challenges.
5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
???? Algerian Army Unveils New Mine-Clearing Engineering Vehicle Based on Soviet T-62 Tank Chassis
The Algerian Army has unveiled a new mine-clearing vehicle built on a modified Soviet T-62 tank chassis. This advanced engineering vehicle enhances Algeria's demining capabilities, utilising robust armour and design modifications to safely and efficiently clear landmines from affected areas.
???? India: Digital University Kerala researchers develop mine-detection technology
A team of researchers from the Digital University Kerala (DUK) have come up with a technology to detect buried explosives with minimum human involvement. The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology can be put to use even in the most rugged and forested areas, thereby, reducing risk for people involved in de-mining and also clearing large areas in the shortest time.
???? The UAE Navy selects Exail’s Mine Countermeasures system
The UAE Navy has contracted with French company, Exail , a global leader in robotics systems, to supply UMIS 3rd generation unmanned integrated Mine Countermeasures system, which aims to provide advanced capabilities for remote mine clearance.
???? United Kingdom: Leigh: Nemiah developing state-of-the-art tool for mine clearing
Leigh-based company Nemiah is developing a cutting-edge tool designed for efficient mine clearing. This advanced technology aims to improve safety and speed in demining operations, addressing the global need for more effective solutions in areas affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance.
???? United Kingdom: Inventor and Carbon Fiber Pioneer Roger Sloman Seeks Support to Develop a Unique Minefield Breaching Vehicle Concept
A company founded by renowned materials scientist and inventor is seeking R&D funding to drive forward an innovative uncrewed minefield breaching vehicle design that is resistant to various attacks. Read more here.
???? Broswarm secures €800,000 for game-changing landmine detection tech
BROSWARM secured €800,000 in funding to advance its X-Ray Eagle sensor technology for landmine detection. This innovative sensor, mounted on drones, provides detailed 3D visuals of buried mines from up to 10 meters above, improving accuracy and reducing false positives, crucial for effective mine clearance in conflict zones.
?? How Are ICBL Campaigners Preparing for The Siem Reap - Angkor Summit on A Mine-Free World?
International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) campaigners are preparing for the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, aiming for a mine-free world. Their efforts focus on strengthening global commitments, sharing demining progress, and advocating for survivor support, emphasising collaboration and accountability to eliminate landmines and reduce civilian casualties globally. Read more here.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
???? ???? Cambodia: The European Union and Cambodia standing together for a mine-free future
The European Union and Cambodia are working together toward a mine-free future, with the EU providing significant support for demining efforts in Cambodia. This partnership aims to enhance safety, enable land use for communities, and move closer to a landmine-free Cambodia.
???? ???? Cambodia, US reinforce mine action partnership
In a significant meeting aimed at bolstering Cambodia’s mine clearance efforts, Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), met with Bridgette L Walker, Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Cambodia.
???? ???? Ukraine receives 500 pickup trucks and mine detection vehicles from Lithuania
Ukraine received 230 pickup trucks and 240 mine detection vehicles from Lithuania to aid in humanitarian demining. These vehicles enhance the mobility of demining teams, supporting efforts to clear liberated areas and ensure the safety of civilians amidst ongoing conflict.
?? Trimble Expands Collaboration with The HALO Trust to Enhance Landmine Clearance Efforts Worldwide
Trimble Inc. has expanded its collaboration with The HALO Trust to support global landmine clearance. By providing advanced GPS and mapping technology, Trimble enhances HALO’s demining efforts, improving precision and efficiency in locating and removing landmines to ensure safer land for communities.
?? ???? US ordnance team disarms more than just weapons with African partners
A U.S. ordnance disposal team collaborates with African partners to enhance explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) skills and build strong relationships. Beyond disarming weapons, this partnership fosters trust and mutual learning, improving regional stability and safety in handling explosive threats.
8. Other News
???? Vietnam: NPA Vietnam Conducts Training on Gender and Diversity in Mine Action
From 28 to 31 October 2024, Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp held initial sessions of the Gender and Diversity in Mine Action training for staff in Quang Binh, Kon Tum and Thua Thien Hue provinces, to build capacity for both operations and office support staff in integration of gender and diversity into their daily field work in respective provinces.
?? MAG partners with award-winning filmmakers for documentary Mediha
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) partnered with filmmaker Hasan Oswald for the documentary Mediha, which tells the story of a Yazidi girl’s survival from ISIS captivity. The film, supported by Emma Thompson, aims to raise awareness about the Yazidi community’s resilience and MAG's demining work in Iraq, making land safe for displaced communities.
Video
80 years since the Second World War, explosive remnants of war are still risking the lives of many Pacific Islanders. Recently in Brisbane, participants from 9 affected Pacific Island states explored national and regional perspectives towards applying the latest tools and approaches for managing explosive ordnance risks.
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.
Always Stay in the Know – Never Miss an Update
This newsletter is subscribed to by over 2500+ 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!