Landmines: Legacy of Conflict - Ray McGrath

Mines, once laid, are intrinsically different from all other weapons of war because they cannot be recalled when a conflict ends. Each mine must be disarmed, destroyed or claim a victim. In over 30 countries, landmines present a major problem for rural communities, and block rehabilitation and recovery. In five countries in particular (Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Iraq and Laos), the scale of civilian casualties represents a major emergency. This text is written for development and emergency workers in mine-affected countries, and for policy-makers and planners. The changing technology of mines and mine-deployment is explained, with photographs and descriptions of the most common types of mine. The book describes the vulnerability of particular groups within rural communities, advises on how best to avoid hazardous areas and on minefield procedures, considers actions that mine-affected communities can undertake, and suggests measures that could be introduced at local and international levels to deal with the problem.