Canadian Landmine Foundation

Antipersonnel landmines: “A weapon of mass destruction in slow motion”

kyle.falcon — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:00:10 +0000

An American sergeant removing a fuse from a Russian mine in a mine field outside of Fallujah, Iraq, June 25, 2003.

In my previous post I outlined the movement to ban antipersonnel mines in the 1990s. After the signing of the Ottawa Treaty, countries participating destroyed stockpiles of millions of AP mines. But the treaty did not ban landmines of all types. The movement was focused primarily on this specific subset of landmines, which unlike their counterparts, specifically target individuals and are most devastating to innocent civilians. A significant percentage of landmine casualties are the result of antipersonnel landmines. In Mozambique from 1980-1993 for example, over eighty-percent of all landmine casualties were caused by antipersonnel mines. A more recent study looking at the impact of explosive remnants of war (ERWs) in 60 states/regions indicated that in 2010 alone, ERWs caused 4,191 causalities with landmines being the largest contributor (71%). Of the landmines causing injury or death, antipersonnel mines had the highest percentage (34%), with victim-activated IEDs (18%), anti-vehicular mines (10%), and mines of “an unspecified type,” (9%) making up the rest.

Several factors have contributed to the excess of AP mines across the globe. Their low cost and light-weight has made them a popular weapon among guerrillas, terrorists and insurgents. As a strategic weapon, they are and have been used for a variety of reasons including the blocking off of strategic resources, slowing down enemy advances, and inflicting injury and death to strain enemy medical supplies and damage their morale. Unfortunately, their long shelf-life and inability to distinguish between combatants and civilians has allowed them to kill and maim for decades after their initial deployment. For all these reasons, antipersonnel mines have acquired the label of “weapons of mass destruction in slow motion.”

Initially, landmines were designed to target armored vehicles but in the latter-half of the twentieth century mines became increasingly popular as weapons against people. Hence the designation between anti-vehicular or anti-tank mines and antipersonnel mines (AP mines). Anti-tank mines require a more significant force to activate, usually between 100 and 300 kg of pressure and target (as the name suggests) armoured vehicles. In contrast, antipersonnel mines will detonate under 5 to 50 kg of pressure. To put this into perspective, the average adult weighs approximately 65 to 86 kg. This makes AP mines extremely sensitive and dangerous to human beings.

Antipersonnel mines can generally be divided into two types: blast mines and fragmentation mines. The former are activated via direct contact by the victim (i.e. stepping on the mine). Fragmentation mines are detonated by a trip wire, and propel shards of metal over vast distances. Blast mines are usually distinguishable by their size and the amount of TNT contained. They are not designed or intended to immediately kill their victims, but inflict serious injury or amputation, causing stress to military and medical resources. For instance, smaller blast mines will typically result in damage or amputation to a victim’s foot or leg, according to surgeon Gino Strada, rarely do these types of blast mines cause injuries above the knee. Larger blast mines on the other hand, can damage the groin, opposite leg, buttocks, abdomen or chest. Victims of blast mines will usually require amputation, but the wounds can often be fatal if an artery is damaged. If the victim does not receive appropriate medical attention, they risk bleeding out, going into hemorrhagic shock, or succumbing to infection from grass, mud or even fragments of their clothing and flesh that become lodged into the wound. (To see examples of injuries caused by blast mines, click here, and here. Below is a video of a soldier detonating a blast mine. WARNING: both the images and the video contain graphic material depicting actual wounds inflicted by landmines).

Unlike blast mines, fragmentation mines usually kill their victims instantly, and come in a variety of forms. Bounding, or “jumping mines” leap off the ground after being triggered. Once they have reached a certain height, usually equivalent to a human stomach, the main charge detonates. This unique method maximizes the mine’s range and lethal affect. Directional mines are similar, but their fragments are designed to target a specific direction.

Since AP mines are designed to target people, they have evolved key characteristics to prevent detection and deter demining and disposal efforts. The use of plastic not only reduces the costs and weight of mines, but also makes them harder to detect. The popularity of so-called “minimum metal” mines have made metal detection methods virtually useless. The introduction of anti-handling devices have further complicated the demining process. These “booby-taps” are designed to detonate the mine in case of “tampering” and prevent re-use from opposing forces, in reality they are an extremely dangerous deterrent to the mine disposal process.Various mine detection and disposal methods will be outlined in more detail in further blog posts, but popular methods include flails, which are armoured vehicles designed to detonate and absorb a mine’s blast, and animals trained in explosive detection such as canines and rats. To read more about the CLF’s demining efforts, check out the Canine Demine program, and learn how you can get involved in helping reduce the devastation caused by antipersonnel mines around the world.

Why does Canada have a landmine foundation? Humanitarianism and the Movement to Ban Landmines.

kyle.falcon — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:50 +0000

For some, antipersonnel landmines (or AP mines) do not immediately invoke images of Canada. Fields scattered with hidden explosives, innocent civilians with missing limbs, and poverty stricken regions still feeling the heat of a battle fought long ago, are not something seen in the Great White North. Nor does Canada have a reputation for being a military powerhouse eager to employ landmines in combat. One might justly wonder why Canada has a landmine foundation at all. It would further surprise such sceptics to learn that not only is Canada active in the clearing of landmines, but that it was at the heart of an international movement to ban AP mines in the 1990s. In fact, the Mine Ban Treaty, which has been signed by over one hundred countries, was held in Ottawa in 1997 (pictured above).

The reasons for “why Canada?” are complex, but there are several historical forces to consider that can help one better appreciate the Canadian connection. First, it is important to know why the landmines issue was such a hot topic in the 1990s, which had much to do with the legacy of the Cold War and its impact on humanitarian organizations. During the Cold War mines were a weapon of choice among combatants due to their low costs, and were often provided for free to guerrilla groups and regimes that received U.S. or Soviet backing. But even after the fall of the USSR, the mines remained in the Earth, and blocked important land and resources to communities that were attempting to rebuild. Fields needed for agriculture, and regions surrounding sources of water, were cut off from villages that relied on them for sustenance. Poverty stricken countries recovering from war were therefore in demand for food and medical aid that they could not afford or produce on their own. Unfortunately, minefields also provide additional danger and obstacles to humanitarian groups attempting to assist regions in need of support. It is not surprising then that a movement to ban landmines gained significant momentum in the post Cold War era. Humanitarian groups operating in this context required knowledge of the issues posed by landmines, thus creating awareness in the international community. To further grasp the connection between humanitarian activism and landmines, consider the following example. In 1998, a year after the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty, the Canadian government pledged 3.7 million to Central America to provide immediate and urgent assistance to demining efforts in the region. The reason for the increase was brought on by Hurricane Mitch. The hurricane, causing mudslides and flooding across Honduras and Nicaragua had spread landmines to unpredictable areas. In order to provide appropriate aid to the stricken communities, increased awareness and resources to the demining process were necessary. The importance of humanitarianism cannot be understated. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which started the banning process in the early 1990s, was a coalition of originally six humanitarian organizations (this number has now grown to over 1,000). The final product—the Ottawa Treaty—was quite possibly the first treaty to “blend arms control and international humanitarian law.”

How the humanitarian movement translated into international law is another story. This was made possible by the role of Non-Government Organizations who found sympathy from a Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister committed to a foreign policy based on peacekeeping and human security. Considering the success of the Treaty and the amount of countries that ratified it, it is easy to take it for granted. But the Ottawa Treaty never would have been realized if it weren’t for the pressure of NGOs, the support of the Canadian public, and Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy’s bold and controversial decision to push for the ban outside of the United Nations. As Cameron Maxwell explains in his book To Walk Without Fear “It was easy to present the issue to the public in terms of a simple moral and political choice: to keep a weapon based on limited military utility or ban it on the grounds of massive and indiscriminate humanitarian costs.” Indeed this was the position of the NGOs, and it found support from a public that wanted Canadian foreign policy to emphasize peace building. But “the ban would not have been achieved” Maxwell continues, “had Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy been unwilling to go out on a diplomatic limb.” After negotiations failed to materialize at the U.N.’s Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) due to opposition from the United States, Russia and China, Canada invited anyone interested in continuing the discussion to a separate meeting. On 2 October 1996, Canada shocked the world by announcing the destruction of two-thirds of its AP stockpile and Axworthy’s launching of the Ottawa Process, which called for a full ban to be signed by December 1997.

States in Blue have signed the Treaty

But the effort to ban landmines goes beyond the signing of the treaty, nor is the effort solely the responsibility of the governments who signed it. As Kenneth R. Rutherford explains in his book Disarming States, the movement was “the first time that civilized society…found a partnership with governments around the world to eliminate a conventional weapon.” Essentially, the movement came from the bottom up, where Non-Government Organizations actually spearheaded the cause, created support among the populace, and influenced government policy. A unique partnership between citizens and government to “raise awareness and funds to end the human and economic suffering caused by anti-personnel landmines” necessitates both parties to participate. This requires states to stop the production and use of landmines, but it also requires the detection and destruction of existing mines, as well as victim assistance. The achievement of the latter goals has been a domain of NGOs such as the CLF who, throughout its history, have held numerous types of charitable events to raise funds for demining efforts. As others have noted, the banning of landmines found strong support in Canada because NGOs provided Canadians with agency in an arena that was traditionally the domain of the state. No longer did the stockpiling, use and effects of military weapons need to be outside of the average citizen’s control. By becoming active with NGOs and the movement to ban landmines, individuals could participate in ideals of peacekeeping, humanitarianism and global security, in regions that were thousands of miles away from home.

As the recent revolutions across the Middle East have shown, the information age has been a significant force in promoting a global society. The further eradication of landmines can only be achieved by gathering support of individuals across the globe. In the blog posts that follow, readers will be given an in-depth look at the landmines issue, the damages they inflict and what they can do to get involved. It is the goal of this blog to raise awareness to the issues and encourage the reader to take up the cause of the Ottawa Treaty, and help rid the world of a hidden killer.

Mark. R Isfield Essay Contest

caitlin.mcwilliams — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:10:36 +0000

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR THE 2012 MARK R.ISFELD CONTEST

MCpl. Mark R. Isfeld:

Many Canadians have served on several international missions in the course of their careers, repeatedly fulfilling their duties against the constant background of danger. One example of this special effort comes from Master Corporal Mark Isfeld. He was a combat engineer who served in three peace missions before losing his life in a landmine explosion in Croatia in 1994.

While serving overseas Mark was known for giving children in war-torn regions handmade dolls that his mother crocheted. These ‘Izzy dolls’ brought a smile and a glimmer of hope to children facing tremendous hardship. Mark’s legacy continues and thousands of these dolls have been crocheted and donated by people all across Canada. The dolls are distributed to Canadian soldiers who in turn give them to children in war-torn countries. This kind and generous act by countless Canadians keeps MCpl. Isfeld’s tradition alive.

Interested in submitting an essay for this year’s contest?

Deadline: 30 April 2012 (DEADLINE EXTENDED)

E-Mail: admin@canadianlandmine.org or

Post: Canadian Landmine Foundation
c/o LCMSDS Wilfrid Laurier University,
266 Marsland Dr.,
Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z1

The question: What is a peacekeeper, peacemaker?

Why does it matter that we have peacekeepers and peacemakers in our communities? You have an opportunity to explore these ideas in your submission for the Mark R. Isfeld Essay Contest.

Mark Isfeld is a great example of a heroic Canadian peacemaker. Mark was a courageous Canadian who worked to clear landmines in war-torn countries. Tragically, while on a peacekeeping mission in Croatia in 1994, Mark lost his life to a landmine. He sacrificed his life in the pursuit of peace.

Mark is just one example. Peacemakers exist throughout Canada, in our cities, towns and local communities. You may have peacekeepers living with you in your home.

In honour of Mark, the Canadian Landmine Foundation wants YOU to submit an essay and tell us what characterizes a peacemaker?

To help you in this process, you can learn about individuals in your community or prominent Canadians that have embodied peacemaking and tell us about them. What have they done to bring about peace to their community, the country and the world? Why do you admire them?

By doing this, YOU will have an opportunity to learn about positive role models that are dedicated to achieving a better world. Building strong commitments to peace internationally must start with an individual’s dedication to peace at home.

Open to all Canadian residents between the ages of 14 and 18. Essays may be submitted in either official language.

$30,000 raised!

geoff.keelan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:46:43 +0000

On November 1, 2011, the Canadian Landmines Foundation held its annual fundraiser in Toronto at the BMO Building, entitled Celebrating Canada’s Leadership in Landmine Eradication. The event was hosted by the Honourable Ed Lumley alongside three engaging speakers. The attendees had the great pleasure of hearing the Guest of Honour, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy speak about his leadership in the creation and signing of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997. Axworthy, who was Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, helped bring together the original signatories of the Treaty together to condemn the use of landmines. Former Governor General, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul, famed Canadian author and essayist, were Honourary Co-Chairs. Saul represented the two at the event and spoke on the value of continuing the projects that the Canadian Landmine Foundation supports. Saul drew on his experiences in the Balkans in the 1990s and the terrible cost of landmines continued to have on its people. The entire event was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Peter Armstrong, CBC Journalist and host of World Report.

Through the generous support of its attendees and a silent auction, the Foundation raised $30,000 in a single night! We would like to thank everyone who came out and our sponsors, the Bank of Montreal and Manulife Financial, who helped make the night possible. Through events like these Canadians can continue to come together and help the countless victims around the world that fear their own land and cannot enjoy the peace we have here at home.

Below is a video of the photos of Nick Lachance, who photographed the event for us. If you would like to see an online album of the photos, simply follow this link.

Fundraiser: Celebrating Canada’s Leadership in Landmine Eradication

caitlin.mcwilliams — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:34:47 +0000

The Canadian Landmine Foundation will be hosting a fundraising event on 1 November, 2011. It is open to the public and will be hosted by the Honourable Ed Lumley, PC.

Individuals can purchase tickets to attend the event. If organizations wish to show their support, they are encouraged to do so through a sponsorship contribution at one of our four sponsorship levels.

Ticket information can be found in the media package included below:

Fundraiser Invitation (Click here for French version)

Fundraiser Registration Form

Sponsorship Package and Form

Blogger Update

geoff.keelan — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:42:21 +0000

Lisa McCoy of Schools for Cambodia Updates with Urgent Appeal

It has been raining almost everyday since Pauline Johns and I arrived in Cambodia three weeks ago. These rains have made a devasting impact to the lives of so many in the rural areas.

Rice crops have also been severely damaged with rice prices already on the increase – making matters even worse for the population’s poor.

Close to one million people have been affected by the present flood conditions in many rural areas and also in the cities.

The worst flooding in over a decade has claimed the lives of close to 300 people so far. Rain is predicted for several more days.

Go to their site to read more. We wish Lisa and Pauline all the best as they struggle to continue their efforts in such terrible conditions. Keep safe and keep up your incredible work!

Plan the Peace

Follow Dr. Glenys A. Babcock’s research trip to the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Babcock is President of Pragmora, an organisation devoted to systematic research about war and its causes and leads the way in understanding a new peace movement which is “pragmatic, effective, global.” An interesting site to read and a great story to follow.

Landmines in Burma

matt.symes — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:02:16 +0000

In this powerful photo essay and journalistic piece, Lindsay Murdoch has just written a story on the damage landmines continue to wreak on the population of Burma…

http://www.smh.com.au/world/burmese-still-walking-on-deadly-ground-20110904-1jsfy.html

Front Page image for New York Times Photographer who Lost a Leg to a Landmine

matt.symes — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:40:57 +0000

A wonderful post by Jeff Racheff on New York Times photojournalist Joao Silva comeback from losing a leg to a landmine

http://www.silberstudios.tv/blog/2011/07/joao-silva-photographer-who-lost-legs-to-landmine-gets-front-page-on-new-york-times/

Mark R. Isfield Essay Contest

caitlin.mcwilliams — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:04:11 +0000

Congratulations to Moe Qureshi for his award-winning essay “Peacemakers Build Cultures of Peace.”

Moe is an eighteen year-old student residing in Mississauga, Ontario. He attends Streetsville Secondary School and has long-term career plans in the field of medicine. Currently he is assisting in medical research on asthmatic allergies at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health at St. Joseph’s Healthcare. Moe has been to the Arctic with CBC news anchor Peter Mansbridge, is a founder of Ontario Nature’s Nature Guardian Youth Council, and was one of 28 students at the Ontario Science Centre’s Science School.

When asked what inspired him to enter this year’s contest, he wrote: “I loved the idea of peacemaking and knew writing the essay was a great opportunity to explore how peacemaking could be distinct from peacekeeping. Cpl. Isfeld’s story about handing out dolls to traumatized children inspired the idea that anyone can contribute as a peacemaker. I was energized by all the great stuff about peacemakers I found while doing research, so I kept writing it until I had finished the essay.

For his winning submission, Moe will receive $500 cash prize, a certificate, and a “No More Landmines” t-shirt designed by Paul McCartney.

Click here to read the winning submission.