CISR News

Bomb disposal in Ukraine: ‘It will take years to clear’
Ukrainian sappers have already dealt with some 100,000 shells, mines and other explosives left by the war this year.
Somalis receive explosive threat reduction training
The courses are said to have followed international practice and met United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) IEDD standards.
Pailin tractor driver detonates anti-tank mine, suffers injuries
A tractor destroyed by an anti-tank mine explosion in Sala Krao district of Pailin province on Sunday. The driver suffered a broken leg, an injured torso and a fractured skull in the explosion.
Kurdish female deminers clear local area of explosives
When you detect a mine, you become very happy, because you save someone else's life from death.
Yemen landmine project removing 'mind-boggling' number of deadly devices
This is a huge task as war-torn country has 'highest density of mines known to man in recent years'
UN launches joint appeal for Syria: ‘Apathy is not an option’
As Syria begins 12 years of conflict amidst soaring humanitarian needs, UN agency heads launched during a European Union conference on Tuesday, a joint appeal for $10.5 billion.
Negotiating Disarmament – The Gender Dimension: Barriers to the Inclusion of Women in Disarmament Negotiations
we examine three sets of barriers to women’s meaningful participation in disarmament negotiations across five peace processes.
CMAA asks for UN financing, demining tech
Demining would contribute to poverty reduction and promote economic and social development, as well as promote gender equality, and eventually advance the achievement of the agenda for the SDGs.
Swiss Foundation Clears Mines In Ukraine
Another source of danger for civilians are abandoned stockpiles – stocks of arms and ammunition that can cause accidental explosions.
Danish tourist killed in roadside bombing in northern Iraq
According to the witnesses, the exploded projectile was one of the remnants of the attacks on Kereinik at the end of last month.
4 children injured in explosion: Violence and insecurity persist after 'genocide' attacks in West Darfur
According to the witnesses, the exploded projectile was one of the remnants of the attacks on Kereinik at the end of last month.
After Saving Hundreds of Lives, 'Mine-sniffing' Dog Receives Medal of Honour in Ukraine
The four-legged creature wagged his tail in excitement as he made his way up to the President to collect his medal.
Two cowherds blown up by landmine in Chin State’s Tedim (Myanmar)
One person died after stepping on a landmine. Another was critically injured and he is seeking medical treatment .
National conference seeks to improve efficiency of support for UXO victims
Participants focused on seeking the most effective methods of support for the victims, national viewpoints on the work and the global stance on the assistance.
Equatorial Guinea explosions highlight need for stockpile management
The blast radius around an explosive storehouse should be within the perimeter of the military base to reduce the risk to civilians in the case of an accidental detonation.
ICRC: 8.5m Iraqis live among deadly mines
Mines and bombs are considered one of the biggest challenges facing the Iraqi authorities before they are able to return displaced persons to liberated areas in the north of the country.
Food crisis looms as landmines litter Ukraine farmer’s fields
Farmers, already hard hit, are facing a deadly new peril
Unexploded artillery shell chaos at Tel Aviv Airport
As reported by BBC, utter chaos erupted at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) over an American family’s souvenir…
Afghanistan's landmines threaten starvation as well as life and limb
Halo Trust deminers working in the Taliban-ruled nation tackle a deadly menace
Citizens in BiH knowingly enter Minefields for Hunting or Deforestation
All civil accidents have occurred mainly in marked areas and the most common reasons for this are the overlooked mine warnings and conscious entry into suspicious areas due to hunting or deforestation.
Veke: Dangers of UXO is real, needs huge work
Recently, UXO claimed the lives of a few people, thus it is a serious issue that needs immediate action.
Women trained to clear unexploded bombs in Laos
Two million tons of US bombs were dropped on the country during the Vietnam War
Inside the Laos villages where people build homes, canoes, and tools out of unexploded bombs left over from the Vietnam War
Decades after the Vietnam War ended, there are around 80 million unexploded bombs left in Laos. Despite the danger they pose, some villagers use the bombs to build their homes.
'Not afraid': Ukraine women learn to demine in Kosovo
Kateryna Grybinichenko chose to sign up after rockets fell on her home city of Sloviansk, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
Halo Trust CEO Cowan on landmine risks in Ukraine
He speaks with David Westin on Bloomberg's "Balance of Power."
CMAA teams up with US charity to enhance demining capacity
Landmines and other remnants of war still haunt the country and hamper development, due to its scattering and deadly effects on the people.
What Do You Do With that Ticking Time Bomb in the Attic?
Trained Teams Safely Dispose of Decades-Old Military Explosives Found in Homes
How the State Department deals with one of the worst legacies of ground wars
The U.S. has been the largest supporter of conventional weapons destruction and demining programs since 1993. And we’ve provided over $4.2 billion in more than 100 countries since that time.
Forty Years on, the legacy of the Falklands War continues to show
Many Falkland Islands still suffer the physical and mental scars following the events of 1982, and in some places the landscape is still recovering.
Somalia may take many years to clear land mines placed to fight Al-Shabaab
The contamination by and from explosive remnants of war and landmines resulting from years of conflict in Somalia continues to have detrimental effects on safety and human security, and hampers development efforts.
Villager ‘seriously’ injured by landmine in Erbil province
The 30-year-old victim was rushed to an emergency healthcare center for treatment.
Wirral charity worker Lou McGrath's royal honour from Cambodia
A charity worker from Wirral has been honoured by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia for outstanding humanitarian work overseas.
Landmines affect one out of every 5 towns in Colombia
This year’s landmine victims, including the nine fatalities, are mostly civilian (68%), and 245 towns remain affected by mines planted by illegal armed groups.
Brave bomb squad dog helps disposal experts in Ukraine clean up Russian landmines
The squad confirmed Patron is its top landmine tracker and has been regularly earning his tasty treat at the end of each day tracking down the explosive devices
CMAC, Thai counterpart affirm cooperation on mine clearance
Demining and UXO clearance is carried out on minefields in the territory of the respective countries.
1,700 tonnes of explosives lying at Indian ports destroyed
Teams were sent to various ports for neutralisation and shifting of the unused explosives back to depot for safe demolition.
The United States Announces Plan to Provide Additional $7 Million for Demining Assistance to Sri Lanka
U.S. Ambassador Julie J. Chung said, “I am very proud of the long-standing U.S. support to demining efforts in Sri Lanka. We have invested over $86.3 million in demining since 1995.
Landmines kill or injure 120 Afghans every month on average
Over 20 square kilometers of land has been cleared in 20 provinces in the past seven months.
Philippine Ambassador seeks Cambodian assistance for demining in its country
Ms. Amelita Aquino called on the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Mines Authority, to continue cooperating with the mine sector in the Philippines,.
OSU Institute for Global Explosive Hazard Mitigation growth continues
The institute is working to create a team of people from academia and NGOs whose goal is to help further research, development and operations for the mitigation of mines and explosives.
6 Ways Explosive Weapons Threaten Children
No matter where they are used, explosive weapons endanger a child’s most fundamental rights. During and after conflict, children and the services they rely on must be protected.
Safe ground, safe steps, safe home...
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) organized their first ever Mine Action Symposium.
Việt Nam shares experience in post-war landmine clearing
In recent years, besides practical measures to deal with the consequences of landmines in the country, Việt Nam has actively participated in international joint efforts on this work.
International Day for Mine Awareness: All you need to know about history, theme and significance
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on 8 December 2005 declaring that 4 April will be celebrated and observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
Yemen's invisible threat: Landmines 'will disrupt life long after war ends'
Parents forbid their children to play in areas littered with unexploded devices
Toward zero UXO casualty by 2025
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are committed to support the Government of Vietnam in realising the goal to tackle UXO pollution nationwide.
Conflict, floods hamper de-mining progress in South Sudan
Situation still threatening, people should not ignore it, official says
CMAA signs MOU with US demining NGO
CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch said the MoU could bring Cambodia closer to the goal of becoming a mine-free country by 2025.
German Farmer Gets Plow Stuck in Unexploded British World War II Bomb
The British INC30 World War II grenade found by a German farmer during fieldwork in the town of Viersen became embedded in a plow.
It could take decades to map and fully remove unexploded munitions in Ukraine
Prior to Vladimir Putin’s invasion a month ago, Ukraine was already one of the most heavily mine-contaminated areas in the world
Questions & Answers on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for Ukraine
How authorities and aid workers can support emergency EORE and other explosive weapons related risk education
CMAC retrieves nearly 200 UXO units from shipwreck
On March 16-17, a specialised team from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) found and retrieved nearly 200 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from a sunken warship.
China pumps in $2.5 million for demining plans in seven provinces in Cambodia
The project will be implemented from January to December this year.
Iraq-UNMAS cooperate to remove mines
The next stage of clearance work will include the governorates of Karbala and Najaf, as they are the least contaminated governorates, and they will be completely cleared during the current year.
Syria: children struggle with physical and psychological scars after 11 years of war
Last year, one third of children in Syria showed signs of psychological distress including anxiety, sadness, fatigue, or frequent trouble sleeping.
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force EOD receives UXO support from Japanese Government
This support package of more than US seven hundred thousand dollars will boost the capability of the EOD Teams and help them to keep our citizens safe from risk posed by the World War II remnant
Thornhill (UK)-based landmine clearing charity expresses concern for Ukraine-based aid workers
A Halo spokesperson said: “Most worryingly we have 21 staff in Mariupol and we haven’t been able to establish communications with them since Saturday.
Norwegian NGO continues support for Quang Tri (Vietnam) in mine action
The People’s Committee of Quang Tri has approved a Norwegian-funded project on capacity building for this central province’s mine action centre during 2022 - 2025.
Unexploded ordnance safely denoted in Namosi (Fiji)
Villagers of Veivatuloa in Namosi can now breathe a sigh of relief after a World War II unexploded ordnance found in the area has finally been safely detonated.
Over $6 million donated to CMAC for clearing of cluster munitions
The grant will be used to fund cluster munition efforts in Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Kratie, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri.
Boy killed by landmine in Battambang
According to the authorities, from 1979 to 2021, explosive remnants of war have killed, handicapped and injured about 15,289 people in the province.
Boy killed by landmine in Battambang
According to the authorities, from 1979 to 2021, explosive remnants of war have killed, handicapped and injured about 15,289 people in the province.
Advisor teams to Senegal help deploy peacekeeping task force, revamp logistics system
hese advisor teams come at the invitation of the Senegalese government and are an example USAFRICOM’s commitment to strengthen partnerships through consistent engagement and shared values.
Bomb squad recovers unexploded Civil War shell at Kennesaw Mountain (US)
The 157-year-old artifact was moved to a bunker for storage, police said
Northampton (UK) Aldi shoppers evacuated after unexploded WW2 bomb discovered
Army bomb disposal experts are on their way to the Aldi supermarket in Northampton after what is thought to be an unexploded WW2 ordnance was found
ERW blast injures three teens in Mrauk-U Twsp, Myanmar
Locals say the mountainside where the ERW exploded was previously the scene of heavy fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA).
Japanese soldiers disarm 550-pound bomb leftover from World War II
A 550-pound explosive from World War II, believed to be American-made, was disarmed in Usa City, Japan, Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.
Quang Tri: Over 25,000 ha of land cleared from war-left UXOs
The central province of Quang Tri has so far cleared over 25,000 ha of land from war-left landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) and safely handled 765,000 UXO items.
CMAC debuts new app to report UXOs
Through this app, when people see landmines or UXO somewhere, they can take pictures of it from a safe distance and provide information to the CMAC.
Rescue Board defuses World War Two-era bomb found in Kakumäe, Estonia
It turned out to be a World War II-era aerial bomb.
Explained: How landmines prevent Iraq's displaced from returning home
Many internally displaced people in Iraq prefer living in camps to returning home due to uncleared mines and munitions.
Franklin & Marshall professors' research on Ukraine landmine removal faces uncertain future
Franklin & Marshall College visiting professor Tim Bechtel and research assistant Nina Simic are working with an international team on a NATO project to develop a cheap, effective way to detect landmines in the Ukraine.
Pailin stops rice imports thanks to landmine clearance
Some 70% of the land that CMAA cleared of mines has been handed over to farmers to grow various types of crops
Capital, Kandal and Kep set to be first three mine-free for Kingdom
Kandal, Kep and Phnom Penh were previously the areas considered most under threat from anti-personnel landmines.
In Iraq, the Bitter Legacy of War Still Lies Hidden Underground
Baghdad can’t rebuild its infrastructure and agricultural sector when its land remains littered with thousands of explosive devices.
Canada to provide technical support for resource mobilization in Cambodia’s demining efforts
This Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) focuses on the humanitarian needs of people living in the conflict-affected Donetska and Luhanska oblasts and of those people displaced by the conflict to other oblasts across Ukrai
Ukraine Humanitarian Needs Overview 2022 (February 2022)
This Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) focuses on the humanitarian needs of people living in the conflict-affected Donetska and Luhanska oblasts and of those people displaced by the conflict to other oblasts across Ukrai
Meet The Former Child Soldier Who Dug Up Fifty-Thousand Landmines In Cambodia
Former Khmer Rouge Soldier Aki-Ra has dedicated his life to ridding his country of landmines.
CMAC destroys Khmer Rouge cache of 4,500 munitions in Kampong Speu
A total of 4,449 bullets and UXOs were found in Trapaing Chor commune of Kampong Speu province’s Oral district, Laos on Tuesday
Waterloo Bridge reopens after World War 2 bomb scare – police remove road block
WATERLOO BRIDGE has been closed in both directions by the police following an 'emergency incident'
South Sudan’s legacy of land mines hurts recovery from war
The explosives were older than South Sudan itself, dating back to the 1980s and the long fight for independence from Sudan. Independence came in 2011, but the remnants of past conflict continue to kill civilians today.
Demining equipment worth $800K arrives in Cambodia from Japan
This machinery is part of Japanese support provided to Cambodia for a three-year demining project in Pailin, Battambang and Pursat provinces,
STATEMENT – Remnants of war are as deadly for children as war itself
ERW continues to be a primary reason for the civilian casualties, with children being especially vulnerable.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers destroy more than 250 cannon balls in Pennsylvania
The cannon balls were full up and had fuzes but were safe to transport due to the style of fuze,
UN demining body explodes landmines in South Sudan
In the village of Gondokoro, just a few kilometres (miles) from Juba, staff from the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) are working to remove the deadly detritus of war.
UN demining body explodes landmines in South Sudan
In the village of Gondokoro, just a few kilometres (miles) from Juba, staff from the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) are working to remove the deadly detritus of war.
After years of war, South Sudanese still live in fear of landmines
More than 18 square kilometres (seven square miles or the equivalent of about 2,570 football pitches) still needs to be cleared in South Sudan, UNMAS says
Group's new patron set to work for a 'safer and more equal world'
He was the founder and first Director of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.
Defence Force finishes clearance of Afghanistan firing ranges, finds more than 1000 explosives
Stuff Circuit’s documentary, Life + Limb, in 2019 revealed 17 Afghan people were killed in nine separate incidents connected by the United Nations to the firing ranges used by New Zealand soldiers to train in Bamyan.
Unearthed WW2 bomb detonated in controlled explosion in Ealing
Road closures were put in place while a controlled explosion was conducted by specialists.
Japan is still blowing up unexploded ordnance on Okinawa nearly 77 years after World War II
Prime Minister Hun Sen in January last year ordered continued searching for UXO in and around shipwrecks in the four locations where ships were sunk during the civil war between 1970 and 1975.
Mekong UXO search off until waters recede
Prime Minister Hun Sen in January last year ordered continued searching for UXO in and around shipwrecks in the four locations where ships were sunk during the civil war between 1970 and 1975.
Princess Diana’s support for a Manchester charity helped millions - but 25 years later there is so much more to do
Decades after she called for a ban on landmines there are still more than 1,100 deadly minefields in one African nation.
The government of Sweden renews its support to explosive hazards management activities in Iraq
The financial contribution from the Government of Sweden will bolster the efforts of UNMAS to support capacity development for a nationally led and implemented explosive ordnance response.
Teen landmine victim in Ponnagyun Twsp struggles to afford medical treatment
The 16-year-old has been receiving medical treatment for the injury to his left leg and is facing financial difficulty buying medicines, according to his family.
Fishermen ‘lucky to survive’ after boat hit by underwater German wartime bomb
The fishermen were hauling a string of 100 crab pots from the seabed when they noticed “a lot of tension” on the main line.
8-year-old killed in a landmine explosion in Kyaikmaraw Township, Myanmar
Unexploded ordnance was also found at the township electricity office the evening before this tragedy.
Deminers discover big cache of shells, ammo
The K57 rounds were corroded, but almost half of the DK82 recoilless rifle rounds looked safe. Still, they could explode and cause harm to people
NPA find and remove 37 unexploded artillery shells in Tan Vinh village in Vietnam
After six working days, the NPA/RENEW teams have surveyed 372,000 square meters of land, found and safely destroyed over 110 cluster munitions and other explosive ordinances
The menace of small arms, light weapons’ proliferation on Nigeria’s internal security
The uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons has had devastating consequences for human security in the country.
Japan to assist Cambodia to become a landmine-free nation
CMAC has estimated around 4 to 6 million landmines in Cambodia, whereas some estimate the number might scale up to 10 million.
Dame Joanna calls for a change, saying, “Stop blasting whales around the UK.”
When developing protocols to clear underwater unexploded munitions, the government called for low-noise alternatives to be prioritized over high-order detonations last year.
Lebanon's Nabatiyeh rocked by overnight explosion
The damage from Thursday's blast appeared to be limited to the building where the explosion took place.
250kg unexploded WW2 bomb found at Maribor, Slovenia construction site
In the Maribor area, 29 bomb attacks were carried out and a total of 15,795 bombs were dropped between January 1944 and April 1945.
What To Do If You Get Stuck In A Minefield
You may think it’s impossible but it isn’t. In 2004, two airmen found themselves stuck in the middle of a minefield.
Magawa, the landmine-sniffing hero rat, dies aged eight
Magawa was awarded the PDSA medal for gallantry - sometimes described as the George Cross for animals
Explosive remnants of war kill 9 Afghan children
The incident in Lalpur district occurred when an old mortar shell in possession of a corn seller exploded as he tried to remove the dust off it.
Temple tourist sites are mine clearing priorities
The clearance of landmines this time is taking place at the Tamen temple area of about 30ha and at the entrance to the Koh Ker temple resort, an area of about 14ha.
3 deminers killed in anti-tank mine explosion in NW Cambodia
The victims worked for a non-profit NGO Cambodian Self Help Demining.
Demining efforts bring hope for African wildlife
In Zimbabwe, work as begun to clear anti-personnel landlines that, for decades, have posed serious a threat to prized wildlife as well as local communities who depend on the land for grazing and cultivation.
Hundreds of munitions leftover from WWII have been detonated underwater off Okinawa
The ordnance was uncovered during the dredging of Naha Port between March and November.
Section of Horadiz-Agbend highway completely cleared of mines, unexploded ordnance – ANAMA
It is noted that the Ministry of Defense began mine clearance operations within this project on June 1, 2021, and an area of 558 hectares has already been cleared.
Japan extends support to landmine clearance operation in southern Lebanon and Baalbek-Hermel Governorate
The Government of Japan has supported landmine clearance across Lebanon since 2001.
New “Snakebot” could map cambodian Minefields
By navigating under dense vegetation, an innovative robot could significantly reduce the monetary, environmental, and human cost of demining Cambodia.
A Pressing Need: Decades of Agreement, Few Results on Arms Record-Keeping
By Philip Alpers [ Centre for Armed Violence Reduction ]
Mechanical Equipment in IED Clearance: Observations from Iraq
By Pehr Lodhammar and Mark Wilkinson, Ph.D. [ United Nations Mine Action Service (Iraq) ]
Hidden Crisis in Borno State
By Sean Sutton [ MAG, Mines Advisory Group ]
Barrier Analysis and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education
By Kim Fletcher and India McGrath [ The HALO Trust ]
Tailoring Explosive Ordnance Risk Education: How MAG Addresses Gender/Cultural Sensitivities and Local Risk-Taking Behavior
By Sebastian Kasack [ MAG, Mines Advisory Group ]
Climate Change and Extreme Weather: How Can Mine Action Programs Adapt to Our Changing Environment?
By Linsey Cottrell [ Conflict and Environment Observatory ] and Carlie Stowe [ PeaceTrees Vietnam ]
Accident Response to Mitigate Risk: A Call to Action
By Lillian Gates [ U.S. Department of State ]
Exploratory Study on the Current Limitations of Personal Protective Equipment and the Potential for Innovation
By Kyaw Lin Htut [ Norwegian People’s Aid ]
Innovative Finance for Mine Action
By Camille Wallen [ The HALO Trust ], Peter Nicholas, and Anna von Griesheim [ Social Finance ]
Improvised Device Clearance Good Practice Guide 2020 Edition
Most UXO-related accidents occur when people are farming and turning over soil, which disturbs munitions that lay buried, causing them to explode.
In northwestern Syria, devastating conflict leaves a toxic environmental legacy
The continuance shelling on the al-Ghab Plain area in northern Hama governorate has affected many agricultural lands completely or partially.
11 killed, 44 injured in UXO accidents in Laos during 2021
Most UXO-related accidents occur when people are farming and turning over soil, which disturbs munitions that lay buried, causing them to explode.
Iraqi wars' deadly legacy: unexploded ordnance
Across Iraq, about 100 children were killed or injured between January and September as a result of remnants of conflict, according to the UN.
Three killed, two injured in Lao UXO explosion
An official with the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) told Vientiane Times the tragic accident occurred at about 9:30am as team members were undertaking routine survey and clearance operations.
Halifax firm helping to support life-saving work overseas to clear landmines and unexploded bombs
A business in Halifax is supporting the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) with live-saving work to clear landmines and unexploded bombs.
Mines from Iran-Iraq war continue to claim lives and limbs in Kurdistan Region
Over the past decades, a total of 46 villagers from 14 villages in the Soran district have fallen victim to landmines.
FER researchers create mine detection tech, production won't be in Croatia
December the 6th, 2021 - A team of FER researchers have come up with some innovative and impressive mine detection technology, but it won't be produced here in Croatia.
CMAC cooperates with district authorities to retrieve UXO
Professionals from the CMAC worked with district police to safely collect unexploded ordinances (UXO) which were sighted by residents of the area.
Hampshire: Train services delayed after discovery of unexploded World War Two bomb near track
A 100-metre cordon is in place as a precaution and a bomb disposal team is at the scene after the device was found at a construction site in Netley, Hampshire.
EOD teams in Estonia have disarmed 6,750 pieces of ordnance this year
Underwater EOD work has also been done in Lake Karujärv, at Tehumardi beach and in Pärnu River.
Unexploded bomb found at New Taipei City construction site
Workers on a construction site in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City uncovered an unexploded military bomb.
Asean addresses regional assistance for ERW victims
This project will greatly benefit affected Asean countries that continue to face challenges in assisting these victims in their respective countries.
Nigerians must address sad reality of arms proliferation – Stakeholders
The proliferation of small arms and ammunitions is driving the increasing rate of violence in Nigeria. The number of small arms in circulation in Nigeria, in the hands of civilian non-state actors, is estimated at 6,145,
Mine-free village mechanism in the spotlight as CMAA tournament nears
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority aims to clear Cambodia of all known landmines and ERW by 2025.
New global approach to countering illegal firearms crucial for peace, development
On the positive side, the Mine Action Review found that more than 159 square kilometers of land was cleared of landmines in 2020, the highest worldwide total since 2015.
Countries grapple with 2025 landmine goal
On the positive side, the Mine Action Review found that more than 159 square kilometers of land was cleared of landmines in 2020, the highest worldwide total since 2015.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (2021)
SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE
Australia grants funds to Sri Lanka for mine-clearance operation
The funds will be transferred to the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), a non-governmental organisation that assists people affected by landmines, small arms and light weapons.
Four injured as old bomb explodes near train station in German city of Munich
The explosion happened after drilling during construction work near Donnersbergerbruecke station caused the bomb to go off, police said.
Halo Trust Somaliland: Turning a war zone into a haven
Every year in Somaliland - an autonomous region claimed in 1991, unrecognized by the international community - an average of 200 landmines are found and destroyed.
Risk education conducted by UNMAS benefits displaced schoolchildren in Unity state
This risk education could not have come at a better time, given the massive movement of communities as Unity state faces the worst flooding it has witnessed in 60 years.
Saving lives through mine risk awareness in Gaza
In cooperation with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the International Committee of the Red Cross is aiming to encourage safer behavior through mine risk education.
ECOWAS: Fight against the proliferation and illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in west Africa
National commissions meet in Accra for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS convention on SALW.
Ridding the world of landmines
From 15 to 19 November 2021, the Netherlands hosted the annual UN conference on mine clearance
Mine casualties in Battambang top 15,000
In October of 2021 alone, there were nine victims, seven from landmines and two from ERW
Four minors dead, 1 injured in explosion in northern Afghanistan
Earlier this month, nine members of a family, including four girls and two boys, were killed when a remnant of war exploded inside their home in Kunduz province.
Over 1.8 million square metres of land cleared of landmines in Angola's Lunda Sul
The clearing of the areas will allow the increase of cultivated areas and increase security.
UNMAS looking to make CAR mine-free
One of its many programmes is in Central African Republic (CAR) where the focus is on training security forces and encouraging professional development of its local personnel.
Clearing Afghanistan's landmines one careful step a time
About 41,000 Afghan civilians have been killed or wounded by landmines and unexploded ordnance since 1988, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
ECOWAS Small Arms Project: Two micro projects inaugurated In Bakassi
The micro projects were donated under the Action titled “Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria”.
30 years of impact: an evaluation of the Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan
In 2021, MAPA finds itself at a critical juncture. It is not on track to meet the targets committed to as part of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention obligations.
Injured by a landmine, 17-year-old Ibrahim can walk again
Ibrahim was fitted with artificial legs and learned to walk again at a UNICEF-supported prosthetic center in Aden, Yemen.
MAG removes four huge bombs in Laos’ Khammuan, Xieng Khuang
Teams found and rendered inoperable four large air-dropped bombs in Bualapha district, Khammuan province and Paek district, Xieng Khuang province.
Fight to rid Zimbabwe of the colonial legacy of landmines bears fruit
Over 130,000 landmines have been destroyed in Mashonaland Central Province since 2013.
OSCE participating States invest EUR 2.5 million to improve small arms and light weapons control in BiH
The project will provide resources to help police canine units better detect firearms and explosives, improve security at police SALW storage sites, and harmonize legislative and regulatory framework.
Landmine casualties ‘exceptionally high’, Syria and Afghanistan worst-hit
From June 2020 to October this year, non-State armed groups were also found to have used improvised landmines in at least six countries: Afghanistan, Colombia, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
UNDP supports mine-free 2025 goal
Under the project, 71,849 anti-personnel mines; 1,515 anti-tank mines; and 214,542 explosive remnants of war had been detected. A total of 1,078,022 rural people have benefited from the project.
5 brothers on mission to educate rural communities about threat of landmines in Kurdistan Region
Their effort, which they call "Be Aware To Be Safe," is covering more and more ground in their locality of Bradost, in northeastern Erbil province.
Ukraine sets up new government body to deal with landmines
The introduction of a national standard for mine action is a priority
EVENT: The Costs and Consequences of War: Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan
On November 18, 2021, the Sigur Center for Asian Studies presents an informative panel series.
Nigeria Holds Security, Investment Summit in Paris Tomorrow
Leading debate, Senator Abdullahi, said the centre, when established would, among others, coordinate and control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
Worldwide landmine casualties remain high, Swiss NGO says
The number of victims of anti-personnel landmines around the world increased by more than 20% last year, according to a non-governmental organisation based in Geneva.
Bosnia – Floods prompt evacuations and cause power outages
Bosnia’s Federal Administration of Civil Protection (FUCZ) warned flooding could move or uncover old landmines and unexploded munitions from the from the 1990s Balkan War
Clearing the Mines 2021
According to Clearing the Mines 2021, a global total of 153.4 square kilometres of mined area was cleared of anti-personnel mines in 2020.
Afghanistan: nine family members killed in explosion
The UN says children found unexploded ordnance and took it home, where it detonated.
Norway and Vietnam to continue assistance and cooperation in mine action in Vietnam
The event marked another milestone for both NPA and VNMAC to manifest the effectiveness of previous cooperation, as well as to show commitment to further joint efforts in addressing the legacy of the wars in Vietnam.
Strengthening Regional Security: Helping Kenya Destroy Excess Small Arms and Light Weapons Stockpiles
In 2004, Kenya joined other countries in the Great Lakes region to establish the Nairobi Protocol to reduce illicit SA/LW proliferation.
Regional explosive ordnance disposal course for specialists from Central Asia conducted in Tajikistan
The course was hosted by Tajikistan’s Defence Ministry and facilitated by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.
CMAA warns residents of flooded areas about mines
If people see landmines or ERW, they must immediately report it to local authorities such as their commune chiefs, village chiefs, mine clearance operators or police
The UK must immediately rethink its decision to cut support for demining in MENA
Plans for the UK to cut funding for humanitarian mine action are catastrophic for vulnerable people living with the fear of landmines and unexploded bombs, writes Darren Cormack, Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
Mexico Puts Small-Arms Control on the Security Council Agenda
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is planning to preside over a Council meeting in person, on Nov. 9, on the topic of illicit small arms and light weapons
Three boys sustain serious injuries in a UXO explosion in Koh Kong
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery has emphasised that the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a top priority of the government to ensure peace and security in the country.
Cambodia, US pledge stronger bilateral cooperation
With US support, the Kingdom has experienced two decades of robust economic growth and made significant progress in advancing its sustainable development goals, including reducing poverty and clearing millions of mines.
Gov’t determined to fight proliferation of small arms, light weapons – Ambrose Dery
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery has emphasised that the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a top priority of the government to ensure peace and security in the country.
CMAA inks MoU with Chinese NGO, eyes mine-free Preah Sihanouk by 2025
This is the first signing ceremony for the demining sector in Cambodia with China helping to mobilise resources from the private sector, people at home and abroad.
Second World War incendiary device exploded in Northallerton
In the UK, an army bomb disposal squad called in to dispose of a WWII incendiary device
Bomb did not kill father and son: EOD
A father and son in the Solomon Islands were previously thought to have been killed by WWII unexploded ordnance
Old landmines kill six in Senegal
Casamance is home to one of Africa’s oldest ongoing conflicts, dating back to 1982, and the mine is believed to have been a remnant from previous fighting.
Yemen war: Deadly landmines blight the lives of children on western coast
Displaced Yemenis face the devastating physical and psychological effects of landmines planted during the conflict
The Challenge IEDs Pose for the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Sector
While, on the face of it, many of the skills applied to HMA are transferable to IED clearance, the latter poses a much higher level of threat.
War-time bomb in Quang Tri safely handled
A bomb disposal team of PeaceTrees Vietnam has safely transported and defused a bomb left from war in the central province of Quang Tri, the unit announced on October 19.
Forty-three percent of deminer deaths not recorded by employers
A new report shows a lack of data and recording of deaths in relation to workers engaged in landmine removal – raising questions about transparency, remembrance and safety
Landmine kills one on Kurdistan Region-Iran border
According to the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Mine Action Agency, there have been over 13,400 mine victims since the 1990s.
The small arms threat to peace and security
The disarmament chief pointed to a shift in arms purchases, in particular their parts and components, through the Darknet and online platforms, resulting in a significant increase in the use of postal and courier service
UK funding for land mine clearance scrapped in Lebanon, Iraq and S. Sudan
MAG states "Reducing UK funding for humanitarian mine action by 80% is a catastrophic collapse in support that'll harm the lives of vulnerable people across the world and do immeasurable harm to Britain's standing"
Zimbabwean who cleared Falklands mines urges UK to rethink cut on Zim’s landmines
If planned cuts to the UK aid budget are carried out, UK funding for clearing mines and unexploded bombs around the world is expected to drop by about 75%, from £100m to £25m.
New action plan adopted on cluster munitions
Twenty-six states and three areas are confirmed or suspected to still have contaminated land, including 10 of the 110 states-parties to the convention.
Vietnam calls for efforts in tackling illicit trade in small arms, light weapons
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam calls on countries and relevant sides to make efforts to address the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Nearly 12,000 landmines destroyed by Sri Lanka under the Mine Ban Convention
The mines were destroyed at the end of the summer in the Kilinochchi District, in the Northern Province, one of the most mine-affected in the country.
Deminers warn public on post-flood explosives risks
During and after the floods UXO was spotted in the flowing water that was likely unearthed by rain-induced landslides in areas containing anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines and various explosive remnants of war.
Austria: Explosive war relic kills German man at swimming lake
The area where the explosion happened has been cordoned off pending an investigation
Security Council report monthly forecast, October 2021
A briefing to consider the Secretary-General’s seventh biennial report on Small Arms and LightWeapons (SALW) will be convened.
CMAC looks to build one of world's largest mine museum
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) plans to construct the museum on 12ha of land in Trapaing Thom commune of Siem Reap province’s Prasat Bakong district.
How non-state actors smuggle small arms and light weapons into Nigeria
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons aggravates the menace of banditry, armed robbery and communal clashes especially in states bordering the neighbouring West African countries.
Near-famine, civil conflict and COVID leave Yemen in devastating humanitarian crisis
NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with David Gressley, the United Nation's resident coordinator in Yemen, about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the nation.
From mines to COVID: Cambodia dogs train to sniff out virus
Cambodian mine detecting dogs are learning a new skill in the war against COVID-19
Turkey removing 80,000 landmines from its border with Iran
A signatory since 2004 of the Ottawa Treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines, Turkey has agreed to phase out such devices.
Koh Kong province to be declared landmine free soon
Cambodia Mine Action Authority (CMAA) plans to soon declare villages in Koh Kong province no longer threatened by landmines.
Cambodia: Lets meet landmine-detecting rat ‘Magawa’ who has saved countless lives
APOPO landmine detector rat wins esteemed award
Can a cheap AI rover save thousands of lives at risk from landmines?
The goal was to build a vehicle with a computer on board that can run the detection software, with cheap and widely available materials. In doing so, the team hopes to make the technology available to others.
Half the Global Casualties Due to Cluster Munitions Were Recorded in Syria
The Syrian Network for Human Rights, a member of this international coalition, contributed to this report and to previous years’ reports by sharing data on incidents caused by cluster munitions.
BiH destroys 1,972 pieces of small arms and light weapons
A total of 1,972 pieces of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) were destroyed by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday, 18 September.
Harnessing drones, geophysics and artificial intelligence to root out land mines
Researching drones and AI in the search for mines and other unexploded ordinance are a worldwide menace; about 100 million devices are thought to be currently scattered across dozens of countries.
Volume 25, Issue 1 (2021)
Read articles from The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction (Vol. 25, Issue 1 - Sept. 2021)
Clearing Cluster Munition Remnants 2021
The report launch is in advance of the forthcoming Second Review Conference (Part 2) of States Parties to the 2010 Convention on Cluster Munition Remnants on 20–21 September 2021, during which States and observers will c
China Begins Landmine Removal Operation Along Border With Myanmar
The landmines were reportedly planted to target civilians moving back and forth across the 2,000-kilometer mountainous border informally.
The Times view on the Halo Trust in Afghanistan: Safe Ground
The threat to the lives and liberties of Afghan civilians remains intense, and not only from the actions of the country’s re-ascendant Taliban rulers. Landmines and other unexploded devices pose a constant hazard.
15 injured in landmine explosion in Yemen
The explosion that occurred in Al Khawkhah district resulted in injuring 15 people and partially destroying their vehicle, he said.
Landmine explosion causes serious injuries to eight members of the same family
Bin Niran explained in a press statement that the injuries of the family vary from moderate to serious, with the entire family receiving medical treatment at Al-Khadra Hospital.
Landmines found on Florida beach
the Air Force Bomb Squad removed both land mines without incident. They will be taken to their base to destroy them. Some residents were evacuated and have been given The all clear to return to their homes.
Assistance in mine action - Report of the Secretary-General
United Nations releases report on its mine action activities for 2019-2021, which includes how activities were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The people with the impossible task:
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has been working in this region at the request of the Kurdistan government since 1992, during which time it has removed something like 170,000 landmines, 18,000 improvised explosive devices
The Taliban are asking for help locating explosives they laid
The head of the UN Mine Action Team in Afghanistan says the Taliban are asking for help to locate and remove explosives left from war including ones they laid themselves. CNN’s Max Foster reports.
Lucusse in Angola celebrates landmine free status
Situated in Moxico, Angola's largest province, Lucusse has suffered the terrible legacy of more than 40 years of fighting.
UK to help clear landmines in Nagorno-Karabakh
The UK has donated half a million pounds to the United Nations Development Program for clearance in the region.
Halo Trust resumes Afghanistan explosive clearance work
After a brief pause, HALO resumes demining operations in Afghanistan
MLI Celebrates the Completion of Mine Free Sarajevo!
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is mine free after 25 years!
Syrian fig harvester returns to work after losing leg to landmine
In pictures: Shaker Ahmed al-Zaytoun, a 22-year-old man from the town of Al-Bara in the Jabal al-Zawiya region of the Idlib countryside, lost his leg last year when a landmine exploded, is back at work
EAC and RECSA to enhance cooperation on cross-border security
RECSA and EAC work together to reduce illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in east Africa
Cambodia emphasizes commitment to achieve 2025 mine-free vision
Cambodia calls for development partners’ continued commitment to achieve 2025 mine-free vision
Marshall Legacy Institute sends mine detection dogs to Azerbaijan
Marshall Legacy Institute mine detection dogs to assist in mine clearance in Azerbaijan
CMAA continues to clear the Kingdom of Cambodia of landmines and ERW
The Cambodian Mine Action Authority continues to make progress clearing landmines and ERW
Small arms collection program in the Philippines
The program aims to eradicate the use and trade of loose firearms that can cause violence and harm to the community.
Call for Papers: Alternative funding mechanisms
Alternative finance mechanisms for mine action
Demining and EOD Seminar 2021
Our Demining and EOD Seminar will bring together leading officials who are working on mine clearance in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as across the Balkans.
Project RENEW Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
The Project RENEW model developed over the past 20 years has achieved substantial progress in neutralizing the effects of explosive ordnance, reducing poverty, and supporting socioeconomic development.
2021 Future Force Capabilities Conference and Exhibition
Join NDIA at the first-ever Future Force Capabilities Conference and Exhibition.
President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan
President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan
Migrants warned of dangers of landmines on Balkan route
A migrant died in March and four more were injured, says InfoMigrants
The HALO Trust calls on all states to scale up and invest in cooperation on weapons and ammunition management at all levels
Read its statement to the U.N. last week on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons
60,000 landmines destroyed in Muhamalai minefield, Sri Lanka
In 2012, The HALO Trust began work to clear the landmines so families could return home