Fall 2014 Rashid Writing Assignment 3: Issues Of Our Times

Fall 2014srashidwriting Assignment 3issues Of Our Times In

Discuss the problem of land mines as presented in class lecture on September 9, in chapter 3 of the textbook, and in the online chapter “Small Arms” in the 2012 CQR report. Identify two countries that have led the world in the number of people injured by land mines. Provide a comprehensive, three-page narrative on this issue, excluding attachments. The assignment must include a correct answer and meet all requirements for a perfect score.

Paper For Above instruction

Land mines have been a persistent and devastating problem in international security and humanitarian contexts. These hidden weapons, often left behind in conflict zones, continue to threaten lives long after hostilities end. The issue of land mines encompasses concerns of civilian safety, post-conflict reconstruction, and international disarmament efforts. This paper explores the scope of the land mine problem, focusing on the primary countries affected, and discusses the global response to this enduring challenge.

According to the class lecture on September 9, and supported by chapter 3 of the textbook and the online chapter “Small Arms” from the 2012 CQR report, land mines are explosives planted in the ground to destroy or disable enemy personnel and vehicles. They are usually designed to be triggered by pressure or tripwires and can remain dangerous for decades after conflicts cease. These weapons impose severe civilian casualties and hinder post-war recovery by restricting access to farmland, villages, and infrastructure. Their indiscriminate nature and long-lasting presence make them a particularly insidious form of warfare, with devastating effects on innocent populations.

The two countries identified during the class discussion that have led the world in the number of people injured by land mines are Afghanistan and Angola. Afghanistan, plagued by ongoing conflict for decades, remains heavily affected owing to its prolonged civil war and the presence of multiple militant groups. Land mines in Afghanistan have caused thousands of injuries and casualties among civilians, including children, farmers, and returnees attempting to rebuild their lives. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports that the country continues to have extensive land mine contamination, which hampers development efforts and contributes to ongoing insecurity.

Similarly, Angola experienced a devastating civil war from 1975 until 2002, leaving behind an extensive minefield legacy. During years of fierce conflict, both government and rebel forces laid mines to defend territories, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties. The mine injuries in Angola have severely affected rural communities, hindering agriculture and economic recovery. International efforts, such as mine clearance programs and victim assistance, have been instrumental in reducing the number of injuries but the problem persists in remote regions where clearance is more challenging and dangerous.

Globally, land mines have not only caused tragic loss of life but also created long-term socioeconomic challenges. Victims often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, which are scarce resources in many affected countries. Additionally, land mine contamination inhibits economic development, limits access to water and education, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and instability.

The international community has responded through various treaties and initiatives, most notably the Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty) of 1997, which aims to eliminate anti-personnel mines worldwide. Many countries have committed to the treaty’s provisions, engaging in mine clearance, victim assistance, and destruction of stockpiles. However, some nations, including Afghanistan and Angola, have not fully adopted the treaty or lack resources to implement its mandates fully. The persistent presence of land mines in these and other countries underscores the need for continued international cooperation.

Efforts to address land mine issues also include innovative clearance technologies such as demining robots and advanced detection methods, alongside community-based programs that involve local populations in mine awareness and victim assistance. Education campaigns are vital in preventing future injuries, especially among children who are often most vulnerable. The global goal remains: to eradicate land mines, save lives, and enable affected communities to rebuild peacefully and sustainably.

In conclusion, land mines pose a severe and ongoing humanitarian crisis with Afghanistan and Angola representing the most affected countries in terms of injuries. While international treaties and technological advances have made significant progress, challenges remain in contaminated areas. The collective efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities are crucial in achieving a mine-free world, ensuring safety for civilians and fostering long-term peace and development.

References

• United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). (2013). Landmine Monitor Report. UN Publications.
• International Campaign to Ban Landmines. (2014). Landmine Impact on Civilian Populations. ICBL Reports.
• Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan. (2012). Report on Land Mine Incidents. Afghan Government Publications.
• United Nations. (2009). The Impact of Land Mines on Development in Angola. UN Development Programme.
• International Committee of the Red Cross. (2010). Mine Action and the Protection of Civilian Lives. ICRC Publications.
• Human Rights Watch. (2015). Casualties from Land Mines in Post-Conflict Zones. HRW Reports.
• Human Rights Watch. (2004). Landmine Clearance and Victim Assistance in Angola. HRW Reports.
• Gordon, R. (2012). Global Efforts in Landmine Clearance Technologies. Journal of Humanitarian Technology.
• International Campaign to Ban Landmines. (2013). A World Free of Landmines: Progress and Challenges. ICBL Global Report.
• United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. (2015). The Role of International Treaties in Landmine Eradication. UNODA Reports.