The ICRC takes weapon contamination into account in planning all its operations, throughout the world – relief, economic security, water and sanitation, health, protection of civilians, etc.

One example: ICRC economic security programmes aim not only to help those who are already suffering but also to prevent further suffering, by ensuring that people are not forced to enter danger zones just to make a living.

Preventing accidents and reducing the effects of weapon contamination go hand in hand with activities to help those who have fallen victim to weapon contamination, such as physical rehabilitation, surgery and economic security programmes.

Exactly what the ICRC does to prevent accidents and reduce the effects of weapon contamination depends on the context, but our work generally includes a combination of the following:

• data gathering and analysis;
• risk reduction;
• risk education;
• survey and clearance.

See also the following sections:

Anti-personnel landmines and explosive remnants of war

International humanitarian law: Landmines and IHL, Explosive remnants of war and IHL

ICRC activities:, War surgery, Physical rehabilitation, Weapons and health

Key document

20-4-2009
What the ICRC is doing to reduce the risks and effects of weapon contamination
What the ICRC is doing to reduce the effects of weapon contamination on civilians: data gathering and analysis, risk reduction, risk education, survey and clearance.
(ICRC Activities\Mine action)


21-9-2007
Weapon contamination manual: Reducing the impact of explosive remnants of war and landmines through field activities
This manual has been written to act as the ICRC’s Institutional reference on mine action, as a basis for ICRC mine action training and to provide guidance for those working in delegations where weapon-contamination is an issue. The manual consists of three books and it outlines a broad and flexible approach which includes rapid response, multisectoral approach (the application of assistance and protection to reduce impact) and cooperation/capacity building.
(Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Publications\Prevention)
ICRC Publication Includes PDF

Feature

13-8-2009
Iraq: mine victim takes a small step to a big new future
A new ICRC assistance programme in Iraq is helping war victims to become financially independent. Beneficiaries include people like Mohammad, who lost a limb in a mine blast in northern Iraq back in 1991.
(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq)
Feature Includes Photo


7-10-2008
Sri Lanka: a step towards self-reliance
In Sri Lanka lack of transport and financial means makes it difficult for hundreds of disabled people to get treatment and orthopaedic devices. An ICRC-supported rehabilitation centre in Jaffna comes to their aid.
(The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Sri Lanka)
Feature Includes Photo


30-9-2008
Azerbaijan: safe playgrounds for children
Although the hostilities in the Nagorny Karabakh region of Azerbaijan were suspended over a decade ago, their deadly legacy lives on in the form of landmines. The ICRC endeavours to prevent the havoc they cause.
(The ICRC worldwide\Eastern Europe and Central Asia\Azerbaijan)
Feature Includes Photo


28-2-2008
Cambodia: promoting economic security among victims of landmines
Despite the enormous efforts made during the past 12 years to rid Cambodia of the scourge of mines and other explosive remnants of war, several hundred people continue to be maimed or killed by these weapons in the country every year.
(The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Cambodia)
Feature Includes Photo


6-7-2007
A strengthened mine action rapid response capacity
Mines and explosive remnants of war kill and mutilate people and block their access to basic needs. The ICRC is therefore strengthening its capacity to respond rapidly to the threat caused by weapon contamination in emergency situations.
(ICRC Activities\Mine action)
Feature Includes Photo

Interview

27-6-2008
Combating the legacy of weapon contamination in Cambodia
Mom Phireak is Programme Coordinator for Mine Risk Education/Risk Reduction at the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) in Phnom Penh. In 2005, at Mom's instigation, the CRC started an innovative micro-credit project to support the economic integration of people who are vulnerable to landmines and other explosive remnants. He spoke with Claudia McGoldrick about the project and its success.
(The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Cambodia)
Interview Includes Photo


30-3-2007
UN world day for mine action, 4 April – view from the ICRC
The United Nations says that, despite a marked fall in the number of victims in the past ten years, some 15,000 people are still killed or injured each year by mines and other unexploded war debris. Interview with Ben Lark, head of the ICRC’s mine action sector.
(ICRC Activities\Mine action)
Interview

Photo Collection

27-11-2008
Selection of photos 2008
Photos illustrating ICRC activities around the world in 2008. The media is welcome to use these images, which can be downloaded at high resolution.
(Info resources\Photos)
Photo Collection Includes Photo

Press article

29-4-2008
Beyond mine action: the Movement’s approach to weapon contamination
One outcome of the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is a resolution that included a call on states to strengthen the protection of civilians against the indiscriminate use and effects of weapons and munitions, stressing the need to address the humanitarian impact of explosive remnants of war and cluster munitions. Apart from efforts on the legal front, the Movement is also striving to reduce the humanitarian impact of weapon contamination through its operations - Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 1, 2008.
(ICRC Activities\Mine action)
Press article


2-1-2008
Putting a stop to cluster munitions
After decades of failure and persistent civilian suffering caused by cluster munitions, global concern is gaining momentum to put an end to these terrible weapons. Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 3, 2007
(Humanitarian law\Weapons\Cluster munitions)
Press article

Report

31-12-2001
Cluster Bombs and Landmines in Kosovo: Explosive Remnants of War
This report provides a unique overview of the human and social costs of unexploded mines, cluster bomb submunitions and other ordnance to the civilian population of Kosovo during the one-year period from June 1999 to May 2000.
(Humanitarian law\Weapons\Explosive remnants of war)
Report Includes PDF

Other site

1-2-2008
International Campaign to Ban Landmines
News on mines, Mine Ban Convention , etc. List of publications and videos (on-line ordering). Landmine research resources (websites, books, audiovisual aids). Photos. Information on Ottawa Convention (text, recent ratifications, meetings of States Parties, etc.). Calendar of mine-related meetings.
(Info resources\Other sites\Non-governmental organizations)
Other site


23-2-2005
Landmine Monitor
Reports from 1999-2004. Reports by States. Link to Landmine Monitor database (information on Ottawa Convention, humanitarian action around the world, mine victims, etc.).
(Info resources\Other sites\Non-governmental organizations)
Other site


23-2-2005
Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining
(Info resources\Other sites\Non-governmental organizations)
Other site