Ending the Legacy of War: Long-Term Solutions to Humanitarian Demining in Peace Operations
Abstract
This monograph discusses the importance of planning for long-term demining in the early stages of a peace operation. Planning and coordinating for the long-term demining of a nation emerging from conflict will be critical to the success of the rebirth of that society economically, politically, socially, and psychologically. Unless there is a long-term self-sustaining solution to deal with the legacy of war, the landmine, all efforts involved with redevelopment may be wasted. The monograph explores how landmines present a complex multi-faceted problem to the nation emerging from conflict. The landmine will effect the redevelopment of the nation economically. This will be especially true for nations that have agrarian based economies. The landmine will affect the psychosocial healing of a nation, meaning that for a nation to heal itself psychologically from war the threat to personal security must be removed. As long as landmines remain under the lands of a nation rebuilding a shattered society cannot fully take place. United States and United Nations policy concerning humanitarian demining was examined. The United States policy is in place from the President and the Congress to provide assistance to nations involved in demining their nations. The nation must be willing to help itself and must accept United States assistance. The United Nations policy regarding humanitarian demining has been to include this as a task in the mandate of the peacekeeping forces. However, the United Nations does not have policy in place to ensure the success of long-term demining. The requirements to secure international resources, both financial and technical was developed. Many International Organizations will be involved in raising capital to demine a nation, to include the World Bank.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331393
Entities
People
- John D. Nelson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College