Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War in Tajikistan

Abstract

The social and economic impact of landmines and explosive remnants (ERW) of war on a population is devastating. Landmines/ERW kill and incapacitate civilian populations even years after conflict. However, the international community’s efforts to stop using landmines or devices that cause unnecessary suffering has given results in developing and promoting the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention which were signed by most of the countries around the globe. However, implementation of obligations rests with the country that is affected by the landmine/ERW contamination. Therefore, there are mechanisms to implement and move towards mine free status , and Tajikistan is one of the countries that had ratified the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention in 2000 and started clearance of minefields on its territory. Tajikistan received a 10 year timeframe to fulfill the obligations of the convention, but by 2009 there was a need to extend the deadline for another 10 years until 2020. The current study is going to look on the challenges of mine action operators in Tajikistan. Additionally, Tajikistan’s national ownership issue will be reviewed.