Ending Echoes of War: Addressing the Issue of Land Mines and Explosive Remnants of War in Southeast Asia
When I joined the contest of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), I had absolutely no background on land mines or explosive remnants of war. Heck, I even thought it was about land mining. But when I researched it as part of the application, this problem has long plagued the region, especially in the Indochina region.
Let’s go back to basics. There are many classifications of explosive devices, but there are two which are most common in the region. First, there are explosive remnants of war. Explosive remnants of war (ERW) are explosive munitions left behind after a conflict has ended. They include unexploded artillery shells, grenades, mortars, rockets, air-dropped bombs, and cluster munitions. Second, are land mines. These are pressure activated bombs that when stepped upon, will detonate.
As a living reminiscence of the wars and conflicts that happened in Southeast Asia particularly in places involved in wars and those who have existing insurgent groups, addressing this has gone on for many decades and eliminating these is an imperative for sustainable development and peaceful future within the region.
A Global Problem
Despite the adoption of the Convention of Cluster Munitions in 2008 which prohibits all use, stockpiling, production and transfer of Cluster Munitions, addressing explosive remnants of war (ERW)/land mines has still been a pressing issue in many countries all over the world, especially in Southeast Asian countries.
According to the data of the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor Initiative in 2017, the vast majority of casualties, 87%, were civilians and 47% were children. Since global tracking began in 1999 the initiative has recorded more than 122,000 mine/ERW casualties.
A Case for the Philippines
The Philippines case, though far from worse, still experience effects of ERWs and land mines. The Philippines has been part of the Munitions Ban Treaty and on 3 January 2019, the Philippines deposited its instrument of ratification to the Convention on Cluster Munitions to become the 106th State Party. The treaty has entered into force last 1 July 2019.
The Philippines has stated several times that it has never used, produced, or transferred cluster munitions and possesses no stocks. In June 2016, the Department of Foreign Affairs said, “the prohibition on the use of cluster munitions is part of the operational policy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”
Although according to the most recent data available, there are more than 571 casualties of landmines and ERWs. But this data was back in 2013. There are a lot of incidents that have occurred since then such as the continuing insurgency in Mindanao such as the Zamboanga siege and more recently the Marawi siege. Insurgent and terrorist groups have been mostly attributed to the cases of landmines and ERWs in the Philippines.
Multilevel Intervention
Engaging various stakeholders ranging from governments to non-government entities in a multi-stakeholder dialogue must be pursued in order to adopt feasible interventions regarding the issue. For instance, on the national level, initiate dialogue in the branch of the military together with the insurgent groups who have capabilities of utilizing such weapons. On the regional level, dialogue between the ASEAN states must be in place to share best practices in addressing such issues such as forums and high-level policy meetings.
As such, in November 2012, ASEAN leaders created the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center to collectively tackle the humanitarian aspects of the landmines and ERW through an integrated approach of experiences sharing, skills training, and other capacity-building activities.
Adopting and updating policies regarding ERW/mines should be a priority. Implementing and localizing international conventions such as UN resolution on the “Convention on Cluster Munitions” must be considered. Moreover, implementing rules and regulations as to how the issue can be pursued even in the local and basic level must be sought especially in high-risk areas such as conflict-ridden areas and post-war places.
Furthermore, policy on contextualized data collection regarding ERWs and the adoption of ARMAC country centers or satellite offices are a probable plan of action to help governments to address the issue in their own contexts as well.
Reparation and Healing
Post-conflict rehabilitation should include possibilities of ERWs/land mines in these conflict areas. Involving different branches of the government is crucial in rehabilitating these areas and bringing this issue on the table is legitimate and should be part of the overall rehabilitative agenda.
Moreover, while taking preventive measures is important, taking post-incident measures is also a valid concern to be pursued. Quick response and assistance to victims of ERWs is an effective and immediate intervention to mitigate the effects of an ERW incident.
We had a visit to Banteay Prieb (Center of the Dove), a training center and home for young people with disabilities. In 1991, Jesuit Service Cambodia (JSC) established Banteay Prieb where men and women disabled by landmines, war, accidents, and polio come to live, learn, tell their stories, and draw strength from one another.
Once a facility for torture during the Khmer Rouge, the Center has been transformed by the Jesuits to impart skills and values that enhance the participants’ sense of dignity and self-worth and provide possibilities for income generation and self-support after they finish the program. More than 2,000 young Cambodians with disabilities have participated in the Banteay Prieb program up till today.
Youth as a Stakeholder
Raising awareness in the youth sector especially in changing their views and perspective on the issue is important in mobilizing a new generation who will actively pursue policies and interventions to tackle the issue of ERWs. Many people especially the youth sector do not know what the issue even is and making small steps in engaging the youth sector is a good strategic point for future engagement.
Moreover, the advent of social media as an avenue to bring the issue to the front and creating enough dialogue to discuss the issue as well. While the issue seems remote in many aspects, involving other sectors and transforming this issue such as framing the issue as health concern will rally people to support and be engaged in the cause.
The “Peace” Factor
We have a long way to go in completely eradicating the remnants of humanity’s behavior in the dark past. The continuing conflict in many areas all over the world reverts back our efforts to win this silent war. Then what is needed then?
We can try to address the issue of landmines and ERW and its effects but as long as peace is not addressed, we are never going to fully grasp a future of progress for everyone. It will take a long time, but actively pursuing peace while targetting existing ERW/landmine-ridden areas is perhaps a key for a future away from narratives of death and disabilities.
Videos during the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action are available for viewing on Instagram and Youtube (field visit and conference). Pictures are also available for viewing on Google Drive.
