ADDRESSING THE IMPACT OF LANDMINES AND EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR IN PAKISTAN

November 2012

With the support of

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Cover photo: MRE session with Maliks (camp elders management committee), Ghamkol – Afghan Refugee Camp, KPK © All photos were taken by SPADO

Graphic Design by Kathleen Morf – www.kathleenmorf.ch – November 2012

Executive Summary .....................................................

Acronyms ..................................................................

Methodology .............................................................

Introduction ..............................................................

1. Background ...........................................................

2. Mine Use and Impact ............................................

3. Mine Risk Education and Mine Clearance ............

4. Victim Assistance ..................................................

Conclusion .................................................................

Recommendations ....................................................

Notes .........................................................................

MRE Brochure ...........................................................

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Contents

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Pakistan has one of the world’s highest levels of ­casualties­due­ to­ landmines­and­explosive­ remnants­of­war­ (ERW)­ as­ a­ result­ of­ contamination­ along­ its­borders with India and Afghanistan and the increasing use­of­such­devices­in­escalating­conflicts­between­the­army­and­armed­non-State­actors­ in­Pakistan’s­ tribal­areas and in Baluchistan.

The­ number­ of­ annual­ casualties­ identified­ by­ NGO­monitoring­and­media­reports­has­jumped­from­111­in­2002­ to­ 636­ in­ 2011,­most­ of­ them­ civilians,­ and­ the­actual­toll­is­almost­certainly­higher.­There­is­no­official­mechanism­ for­ collecting­ casualty­ data­ and­ many­­casualties­occur­in­remote­areas­where­access­to­­medical­and­rehabilitation­services­is­difficult.­As­in­Afghanistan,­anti-vehicle­ mines­ and­ victim-activated­ improvised­explosive­devices­(IEDs)­pose­a­growing­threat.­

The­Sustainable­Peace­and­Development­Organization’s­research­ finds­ that­ most­ of­ the­ casualties­ are­ men­of­an­economically­active­age­whose­death­or­ injury­imposes­ severe­ strain­ on­ their­ families­ and­ commu-nities­in­what­are­some­of­the­country’s­poorest­areas­through­ both­ the­ expense­ of­ treatment­ and­ loss­ of­income.­Injury­and­disability­also­exact­a­heavy­toll­on­casualties­ through­ depression,­ post­ traumatic­ stress­and­social­stigmatization,­particularly­severe­for­women.­

This­ report­ seeks­ to­ provide­more­ information,­ and­encourage­ the­ Government­ of­ Pakistan­ to­ acknow-ledge­more­ fully­ the­ extent­ of­ the­ problem­of­ land-mines­ and­ explosive­ remnants­ of­ war,­ and­ help­ to­address­their­impact­on­civilians.­It­is­hoped­that­the­current­lack­of­humanitarian­mine­action­can­also­be­addressed.­The­­Government­restricts­mine­clearance­and­ explosive­ ordnance­ disposal­ to­ Pakistan’s­ army­and­police.­The­security­forces­do­not­release­details­of­their­activities­though­the­extent­of­these­appears­limited.­No­survey­of­mine­or­ERW­contamination­has­ever­ been­ conducted,­ in­ part­ due­ to­ insecurity­ in­affected­ areas,­ and­ no­ official­ mechanism­ exists­ to­coordinate­ or­ ­support­ the­ limited­ range­ of­ huma­­ nitarian­mine­action­open­to­national­or­international­non-governmental­ organizations­ (NGOs).­ Already constrained­in­where­they­can­work­by­insecurity,­NGOs­also­ contend­ with­ a­ Government­ system­ of­ ­issuing­­permits­that­is­complex,­slow­and­can­end­in­denial­of­permission­with­no­explanation­of­the­­reasons.

In­this­environment,­NGOs­have­undertaken­mine­risk­education,­ initially­ in­ Pakistan-administered­ Kashmir­

and­ since­ 2009­ increasingly­ in­ Khyber­ Pakhtunkhwa­where­it­has­been­possible­to­reach­some­of­the­popu-lation­ displaced­ from­ neighbouring­ tribal­ areas­ that­would­ otherwise­ have­ been­ inaccessible.­ From­ the­end­of­2011,­however,­lack­of­funding­by­international­donors­and­Government­permission­has­led­to­a­sharp­scaling-down­of­these­activities.

Victim­assistance­is­one­area­of­mine­action­where­the­situation­is­moving­in­the­right­direction.­The­Govern-ment­ratified­the­Convention­on­the­Rights­of­Persons­with­ Disabilities­ (CRPD)­ in­ July­ 2011.­ The­ State­ pro-vides­critical­support­through­the­services­available­in­public­hospitals­used­by­close­to­two-thirds­of­victims.­­However,­there­are­no­specialized­medical­or­surgical­facilities­ for­ landmine­ and­ other­ casualties­ close­ to­mine-affected­areas­and­ limited­ facilities­ for­psycho-logical­support­or­physical­rehabilitation­and­training­of survivors.

The­report­encourages­the­Government­of­Pakistan­to­recognize­the­scale­of­the­problem,­establish­a­human-itarian­mine­action­centre­to­coordinate­responses­to­the­ growing­ threat­ of­ explosive­ devices,­ and­ take­­other­practical­measures­such­as­setting­up­a­central­register­ of­ incidents­ involving­ mines­ and­ ERW­ and­casualties.­ The­ report­ also­ calls­ on­ armed­non-State­actors­ to­ halt­ use­ of­ landmines­ and­ IEDs­ and­ take­immediate­ steps­ to­ reduce­ the­ threat­ to­ civilians­by­informing­local­communities­of­hazards,­and­mapping­and­ marking­ their­ location.­ It­ urges­ international­donors­ and­ organizations­ to­ support­ and­ provide­expertise­for­humanitarian­mine­action­and­to­integrate­it­into­development­programmes.­

AFIRM­ Armed­Forces­Institute­of­Rehabilitation­MedicineAJK­ Azad­Jammu­and­Kashmir­(Pakistan-administered­Kashmir)ANSA­ armed­non-State­actorAVM­ Anti-vehicle­mineBEST­ Basic­Education­and­Employable­Skill­TrainingBISP­ Benazir­Income­Support­Program­BLA­ Baluchistan­Liberation­ArmyBRA­ Baluchistan­Republican­ArmyCBM­ Confidence­Building­Measure­CCW­ Convention­on­Conventional­WeaponsCNIC­ Computerized­National­Identity­CardCRPD­ Convention­on­the­Rights­of­Persons­with­DisabilitiesDI­ Dera­IsmailEC­ European­CommissionEOD­ Explosive­Ordnance­DisposalERW­ Explosive­Remnants­of­WarFATA­ Federally­Administered­Tribal­AreaFSD­ Swiss­Foundation­for­Mine­ActionHHRD­ Helping­Hand­for­Relief­and­DevelopmentHI­ Handicap­InternationalICBL­ International­Campaign­to­Ban­LandminesICRC­ International­Committee­of­the­Red­CrossIDP­ Internally­Displaced­PersonIED­ Improvised­Explosive­DeviceKPK­ Khyber­PakhtunkhwaLCD­ Leonard­Cheshire­DisabilityLoC­ Line­of­ControlMAG­ Mines­Advisory­GroupMSF­ Médecins­Sans­FrontièresMRE­ Mine­Risk­EducationNGO­ non-Governmental­organizationNATO­ North­Atlantic­Treaty­OrganisationOPPC­ Orthotic,­Prosthetic­and­Physiotherapy­CentrePHF­ Pakistan­Humanitarian­ForumPIPOS­ Pakistan­Institute­of­Prosthetic­and­Orthotic­SciencesPWD­ People­with­DisabilitiesRI­ Response­InternationalSPADO­ Sustainable­Peace­and­Development­OrganizationTTP­ Tehrik-e-Taliban­PakistanUS­ United­StatesUXO­ unexploded­ordnanceWRA­ Weapons­Removal­and­Abatement

Executive Summary Acronyms

IDP from Bajaur agency attending MRE session in IDP camp, Dir, 2010, UNICEF-SPADO

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Sustainable­ Peace­ and­ Development­ Organization­(SPADO),­with­the­support­of­Geneva­Call,­conducted­field­ research­ in­ communities­ heavily­ affected­ by­­landmines,­ improvised­ explosive­ devices­ (IEDs),­ and­explosive­ remnants­ of­ war­ (ERW);­ for­ example­ the­Federally­ Administered­ Tribal­ Area­ (FATA),­ Khyber­Pakhtunkhwa­(KPK)­and­Baluchistan.­SPADO,­Pakistan’s­focal­ point­ for­ the­ International­ Campaign­ to­ Ban­Landmines­ (ICBL),­ conducted­ 37­ interviews­with­ the­survivors­of­ these­explosive­devices­and­with­26­key­informants­ with­ particular­ knowledge­ of­ the­ issues.­These included individuals who work or have worked for­local­and­international­mine­action­organizations,­police­ bomb­ disposal­ squads,­ the­ Social­ Welfare­Department­ and­ doctors­ in­ public­ hospitals.­ Inter-views were also conducted with individuals in Government,­ the­ media­ and­ other­ humanitarian­actors­ drawn­ from­ diverse­ locations,­ occupations,­age­ groups­ and­ family­ situations.­ In­ view­of­ cultural­sensitivities­and­barriers,­SPADO­was­able­to­interview­only­very­few­women.­

Research­ also­ drew­ on­ secondary­ sources,­ including­the­ Landmine­ and­ Cluster­Munition­Monitor,­media­and­other­related­documents.­In­the­absence­of­com-prehensive­data­collection­of­landmine­casualties­and­lack­of­data­at­the­government­level,­SPADO’s­media­monitoring­of­landmine­casualties­and­annual­reports­of­ Landmine­ and­ Cluster­ Munition­ Monitor­ some­baseline data.

Conflict­ and­ high­ levels­ of­ insecurity,­ particularly­ in­FATA,­ KPK­ and­ Baluchistan­ posed­ a­ significant­ chal-lenge.­Military­ operations­ under­way­ in­ FATA­during­the­research­phase­for­this­report­resulted­in­mass­dis-placement­of­ the­ local­ population.­Baluchistan’s­ law­and­order­status­is­the­worst­in­memory­and­a­recent­trend­ towards­abducting­NGO­personnel­ for­ ransom­prevented­access­by­the­survey­team­to­some­affected­areas.­ Access­ to­ internally­ displaced­ persons­ (IDPs),­however,­made­ it­possible­ to­obtain­first-hand­ infor-mation­on­conditions­in­communities­in­some­areas­it­would not otherwise have been possible to reach.

The­prevailing­climate­of­insecurity­and­suspicion­cre-ated­by­escalating­conflict­presented­a­major­obstacle­to­ research.­ Local­ communities­ mistrust­ NGOs­ and­civil­ society­ organizations­ as­ promoting­ Western­­culture­ and­ values.­ To­ address­ these­ sensitivities,­­SPADO­hired­ local­ researchers­previously­ involved­ in­mine­action­and­familiar­with­the­issues.­This­approach­made­ it­ possible­ to­ locate,­map­ and­ contact­ victims­and­ their­ families.­ Most­ survey­ respondents­ were­interviewed­ at­ their­ homes.­ However,­ Government­employees­were­mostly­unwilling­to­be­interviewed­by­an­NGO.­Obtaining­consent­from­mine/ERW­survivors­also­proved­challenging,­particularly­if­they­had­been­injured­ in­ an­ insurgency-related­ incident.­ Cultural­­traditions­ also­ severely­ constrained­ the­ researchers’­ability­to­interview­women.

Pakistan’s­official­position,­set­out­in­its­reports­under­Amended­ Protocol­ II­ of­ the­ Convention­ on­ Certain­Conventional­Weapons­(CCW),­is­that­it­does­not­have­a­ problem­with­ un-cleared­ landmines.­ The­ latest­ of­these­ reports,­ dated­ 31­ March­ 2012,­ explains­ that­thePakistan­ army­ has­ not­ laid­ any­ mines­ since­ the­2001-2002­border­tensions­with­India­and­reports­that­all­ those­ mines­ have­ since­ been­ cleared­ and­ des-troyed.1­Since­2002,­no­further­information­is­available­about­ landmine­ use­ or­ whether­ indeed­ any­ other­mined­areas­still­exist.­

Mines­are­still­present­along­the­Line­of­Control­(LoC)­in­Kashmir­over­which­Pakistan­and­India­fought­three­wars.­ Pakistan’s­ CCW­ reports­ in­ previous­ years­ have­acknowledged­the­continued­presence­of­mines­used­in­the­1980s­by­troops­of­the­former­Soviet­Union­in­areas bordering Afghanistan.2­More­recent­conflicts­in­KPK,­FATA­and­Baluchistan­have­led­to­the­use­of­land-mines­and­other­explosive­devices3,­mostly­by­armed­non-State­ actors­ (ANSAs),­ resulting­ in­ increased­­contamination­and­risks­to­the­local­communities.­

This­has­become­brutally­evident­ in­a­nearly­ six-fold­rise­ in­the­number­of­casualties­reported­in­the­past­decade­from­111­in­2002­to­636­in­2011.4­Civilians­are­falling­victim­while­travelling­along­roads­in­rural­areas,­women­ as­ they­ work­ in­ the­ fields,­ and­ children­ on­their­way­to­school.­The­mounting­psychological­impact­is­apparent­in­the­growing­fear­inhabitants­of­conflicted­areas­ express­ of­ farming­ their­ land­ or­ even­walking­around­ their­ locality.­ Some­ poor­ families­ have­ felt­compelled­to­invest­their­meagre­cash­resources­buying­detectors­so­they­can­check­the­paths­to­their­houses.­Yet­ no­ humanitarian­ mine­ clearance­ programme­ is­­being­conducted­in­Pakistan­and­medical­support­and­rehabilitation­services­are­in­acute­short­supply.­

Lack­ of­ information­ on­ the­ dangers­ civilians­ face­ has­compounded­their­plight.­No­survey­has­been­conduc­ted­of­the­impact­of­landmines­and­other­explosive­devices­in­Pakistan.­The­only­reporting­available­has­come­from­the­ Landmine­ and­ Cluster­ Munitions­ Monitor­ annual­overview­ of­ Pakistan’s­ landmine­ and­ ERW­ situation,­which­ does­ not­ provide­ a­ comprehensive,­ in-depth­analysis­of­the­problem­or­fully­capture­the­­­human­cost.­Nor­ does­ it­ make­ recommendations­ to­ huma­nitarian­actors on how to address outstanding needs.

This­report­by­SPADO,­with­the­support­of­Geneva­Call,­seeks­to­help­fill­the­gap,­drawing­on­eight­weeks­of­

detailed­research­on­the­impact­of­landmines­and­other­explosive­devices­and­years­of­experience­in­Pakistan­engaging­with­local­communities.

Part One sets out the background and causes of con-tinuing­ landmine­ use­ in­ Pakistan­ from­ the­ conflicts­with­India­over­Kashmir­since­Pakistan’s­independence­in 1947 to the insurgencies along the border with ­Afghanistan­ and­ turbulent­ politics­ in­ Balochistan.­Part Two­examines­the­impact­of­landmines­and­other­explosive­devices,­who­they­are­killing­and­maiming,­and­where,­ and­ the­ economic­ and­ social­ impact­ on­already­ poor­ families­ losing­ their­ breadwinner­ or­struggling­to­support­disabled­family­members,­hard-ships­ made­ all­ the­ greater­ in­ areas­ where­ conflict­severely­limits­access­to­medical­services­and­support.­

The­next­two­sections­consider­what­efforts­are­under­way­ to­ address­ the­ menace­ of­ mines­ and­ ERW.­Part Three­looks­at­the­meagre­scope­of­mine­action­in­­Pakistan,­limited­to­clearance­and­Explosive­Ordnance­Disposal­(EOD)­by­security­forces,­which­do­not­report­on­the­scope­or­outcome­of­their­activities,­and­Mine­Risk­ Education­ (MRE)­ by­ national­ and­ international­humanitarian­ organizations,­ constrained­ by­ govern-ment­policy,­ insecurity­ in­ affected­areas­ and­acutely­short of donor funding. Part Four contrasts the pro-gressive­policy­initiatives­Pakistan­has­taken­in­ratifying­the­Convention­on­the­Rights­of­Persons­with­Disabilities (CRPD)­ last­ year­ and­ the­ burgeoning­ demand­ for­­medical­ services­ and­ rehabilitation,­ particularly­ in­­border­ areas­with­ the­ limited­ range­ of­ support­ and­services­available­t­o­mine­survivors­from­Government­hospitals­ and­ NGOs,­ and­ the­ challenges­ for­ those­seeking­to­deliver­it­in­the­face­of­a­complex­security­emergency.­

The report concludes with Recommendations to the­ Government,­ international­ donors­ and­ to­ non-governmental­ actors­ urging­ the­ establishment­ of­a­mine­action­centre,­owned­and­led­by­the­Govern-ment­ but­ coordinating­ and­ promoting­ humanitarian­mine­action­among­all­relevant­stakeholders­including­the­ Army,­ provincial­ governments­ and­ humanitarian­organizations.­It­calls­on­international­organizations­to­include­mine­action­in­development­projects,­proposes­steps­to­promote­MRE­in­schools­and­the­community­and­seeks­to­address­the­needs­of­mine­survivors­by,­among­other­measures,­creating­a­central­registry­of­casualties­ caused­ by­ landmines­ and­ other­ explosive­devices.

Methodology Introduction

Camp for internally displaced people in Dir

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UXO survivor, Kohat, KPK

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Pakistan’s­ landmine­ and­ other­ explosive­ devices­­challenge­ originated­ in­ its­ conflicts­ with­ India­ since­1947­and­the­decade-long­Soviet­War­in­Afghanistan­(1979-1989).­

There­ is­ still­ a­ problem­ of­ residual­ contamination­along­ the­ LoC­ in­ Pakistan-administered­ Kashmir­ –­Azad­ Jammu­ and­ Kashmir­ (AJK).­ Since­ Partition­ in­1947, Pakistan and India have fought three wars and many­border­skirmishes­over­Kashmir.­Both­sides­laid­massive­ quantities­ of­ mines­ along­ the­ LoC,­ which­­divides­Kashmir,­and­along­other­parts­of­ their­com-mon­border,­maintaining­large­long-term­minefields­at­the­time,­which­have­since­been­cleared,­leaving­the­LoC.­ Pakistan­ and­ India­ both­ assert­ that­ all­ mines­planted­along­the­LoC­are­properly­fenced­and­marked­complying­with­the­requirements­of­Protocol­II­of­the­CCW­ to­which­ both­ are­ parties5 but rain, snow and landslides­have­resulted­in­migration­of­mines­report-edly­causing­regular­casualties­along­and­close­to­the­LoC­and­deterring­agricultural­activity.

Along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan and inside its tribal­areas,­Soviet­forces­used­landmines­to­discourage­the­local­Pashtun­population­and­various­Jihadi­groups­from­ participating­ in­ the­ war.­ The­ first­ landmine­­casualties­were­reported­in­FATA­in­1980,­a­year­after­the­Soviet­invasion.­Since­then­thousands­of­civilians­have­become­victims6­of­ landmines­and­other­explo-sive ordnance.

The­effects­of­ the­Afghan­war­on­ the­ region­did­not­finish­with­the­withdrawal­of­Soviet­forces­in­1989,­but­rather­ led­ to­ more­ conflict­ between­ various­ Jihadi­­factions­fighting­over­who­would­rule­Afghanistan.­The­war­in­Afghanistan­since­the­intervention­in­2001­led­by­ the­ United­ States­ (US),­ and­ Pakistan­ military­engagements­ in­ FATA­ against­ Taliban­ militants­ have­further contributed to the widespread use of land-mines­ and­ other­ explosive­ devices­ by­ ANSAs­ in­ the­region.­In­addition,­the­easy­availability­of­landmines­smuggled­from­Afghanistan­has­resulted­in­their­use­in­tribal­and­family­conflicts­in­FATA.­

The­North­Atlantic­Treaty­Organisation’s­(NATO)­inter-vention­in­Afghanistan­and­Pakistan’s­alignment­with­the­ US­ in­ its­ war­ against­ Al-Qaida­ and­ the­ Taliban­resulted­ in­ an­ armed­ Jihadi­ movement­ against­ the­State­of­Pakistan­in­the­tribal­areas­led,­from­2007,­by­Tehrik-e-Taliban­Pakistan­(TTP),­which­is­also­referred­to­as­the­Taliban­movement­of­Pakistan.­The­Pakistan­

army­conducted­major­military­operations­against­TTP­from­2006­to­2010­ in­FATA­and­the­districts­of­Swat,­Dir,­Shangla­and­Buner­in­KPK.­The­conflict­displaced­millions­ of­ local­ inhabitants­ and­ added­ further­ con-tamination­ by­ landmines­ and­ ERW­ causing­ frequent­incidents­that­resulted­in­civilian­deaths­and­injuries.­

ANSAs­affiliated­with­TTP­placed­mines­ in­the­towns­and­villages­of­KPK­and­FATA­which­they­controlled­to­counter­ Pakistan­ Army­ attempts­ to­ drive­ them­ out.­Residents of Mingora town, the epicentre of the ­fighting,­said­that­Taliban­militants­had­laid­landmines­in­the­town­and­prevented­many­civilians­from­fleeing,­

using­them­as­"human­shields"­ to­deter­attack.­High­loss­of­civilian­life­was­also­reported­to­result­from­to­further­ contamination­ following­ air­ strikes­ and­ artil-lery­bombardments.7 There are regular reports of con-tinued­use­of­ landmines­and­other­explosive­devices­against­ the­ Pakistan­ security­ forces­ in­ FATA­ and­ in­other­tribal­and­sectarian­conflicts.

The­human­cost­of­the­conflict­in­FATA­has­been­severe. Hundreds­ of­ people­ have­ been­ killed­ or­ injured­ by­landmines­ and­ other­ explosive­ devices,­ more­ than­half­ of­ them­ civilians.8­ SPADO­ reports­ that­ in­ 2011­there­ were­ at­ least­ 636­ casualties­ from­ landmines,­unexploded­ ordnance­ (UXO)­ and­ victim-activated­IEDs.9

No­estimate­exists­of­the­extent­of­contamination,­but­the evidence is that it has increased as a result both of fighting­and­natural­disasters.­The­devastating­floods­of­2010­dislodged­mines­and­other­dangerous­ items­from­the­hills­of­South­Waziristan­and­washed­them­down­to­the­nearby­districts­of­Tank­and­Dera­Ismail­(DI)­Khan,­contaminating­vast­areas­of­land­that­were­previously­safe.­The­UXO­and­landmines­left­behind­as­flood­waters­receded­have­caused­civilian­casualties,­including­women­and­children.10

A­third­area­affected­by­landmines­and­other­explosive­devices is Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest province in terms­of­area,­but­smallest­in­terms­of­population.­It­is­also the poorest of Pakistan’s provinces and troubled by­a­long-running­conflict­between­Government­secu-rity­ forces­ and­ insurgent­ groups­ seeking­ autonomy­and power over the province’s natural resources. The­ Baluchistan­ Liberation­ Army­ (BLA),­ Baluchistan­Republican­Army­(BRA)­and­Lashkar-e-­Baluchsitan­are­reported­ to­ be­ involved­ in­ deploying­ increasing­­numbers­ of­ landmines­ and­ other­ explosive­ devices­targeting­Government­infrastructure­including­railways,­electricity­ and­ telephone­ towers,­ gas­ pipelines­ and­outposts­of­the­Pakistan­Army­and­the­Frontier­Corps.­In­Baluchistan,­as­in­FATA,­the­landmine­threat­appears­to­have­been­exacerbated­by­the­widespread­availabil-ity­ of­ devices­ smuggled­ with­ other­ weapons­ from­Afghanistan.­The­continued­use­of­landmines­in­anti-Government­ insurgency­ and­ in­ other­ tribal­ and­­sectarian­disputes­has­resulted­in­frequent­casualties.

1. Background

A landmine displaced by flood waters in Tank district adjoining South Waziristan

Unexploded Mortar in the undergrowth

The­ steady­ increase­ in­ the­ number­ of­ people­ killed­and­injured­by­landmines­and­other­explosive­devices­in­Pakistan­in­the­past­decade­partly­reflects­improved­reporting­but­also­attests­to­the­mounting­human­cost­of­ escalating­ conflict­ between­ the­ Government­ and­insurgent­groups.­The­graph­below­shows­for­example­a­ spike­ in­ the­ number­ of­ casualties­ in­ 2006­ corre-sponding­ to­ the­ beginning­ of­ military­ operations­­conducted­ against­ the­ TTP.­ SPADO’s­ monitoring­ of­media­reports­identified­636­casualties­in­2011,­includ-ing­223­fatalities,­up­from­total­reported­casualties­of­394­ the­ previous­ year.­ This­ represents­ the­ highest­number­of­casualties­of­any­year­since­2001,­and­can­be­attributed­both­to­the­response­of­ANSAs­following­military­ operations­ in­ FATA­ and­ KPK­ coupled­ with­­refugee­ returns­ and­ the­ dispersal­ of­ landmines­ as­ a­result­of­ the­2010­flooding.­There­was­also­a­signifi-cant­ increase­ in­ casualties­ in­ Baluchistan­ over­ the­same­ year­ due­ to­ an­ increase­ in­ ANSA­ activities.­ By­early­ October­ 2012,­ sources­ monitored­ by­ SPADO­had­ identified­ a­ further­ 231­ casualties,­ including­115­deaths­and­116­injuries.11

As­no­mechanism­exists­for­systematic­data­collection,­the­likelihood­is­that­many­casualties­go­unrecorded­in­areas­that­are­remote­or­inaccessible­due­to­insecuri-ty,­and­that­the­real­toll­in­human­life­and­suffering­is­much­greater.­ Beyond­this­clear­indicator­of­the­country’s­deteriorat-ing­security,­the­effects­of­landmine­and­ERW­contam-ination­in­Pakistan­are­complex,­varying­according­to­regions­ and­ trends­ in­ the­ use­ of­ different­ devices.­­Incidents­due­to­landmines­and­other­explosive­devices­

have­occurred­in­parts­of­FATA,­KPK,­Baluchistan­and­AJK.­ Landmines­ pose­ the­ greatest­ threat,­ inflicting­three-quarters­ of­ the­ casualties­ reported­ in­ 2011.­Landmine­ contamination­ takes­ the­ form­ of­ large­mined­areas­only­in­AJK,­where­the­army­reports­that­minefields­ are­ properly­ fenced­ and­marked,­ though­casualties­have­still­occurred.­

In­FATA­and­Baluchistan,­mines­are­used­by­ANSAs­as­both­ defensive­ and­ offensive­ weapons­ targeting­­Government­ security­ forces,­ and­ also­ in­ inter-tribal­and­sectarian­conflicts­and­personal­disputes.­ANSAs­have­used­landmines­to­protect­their­bases­and­strategic­mountain­ positions­ and­ to­ attack­ security­ forces.­ANSAs­have­blown­up­electricity­pylons­and­left­mines­around­them­to­prevent­their­repair.­In­addition,­tribal­elders­ have­ been­ targeted­ by­ ANSAs,­ with­ mines­placed­near­their­homes­or­on­roads­they­use.­In­tribal­and­ family­ feuds,­people­have­placed­anti-personnel­mines­(APM)­in­the­fields­of­their­enemies.­Eight­of­the­victims­ surveyed­ by­ SPADO­ as­ part­ of­ this­ project­reported­their­accidents­as­a­result­of­these­types­of­feuds.­Smugglers­have­placed­mines­on­remote­path-ways­used­by­competitors,­but­which­are­also­used­by­tribesmen­collecting­taxes.­

Civilians bear the bruntNearly­half­of­the­total­casualties­in­2011­were­caused­by­anti-vehicle­mines­(AVMs)­and­22%­by­APMs.12 The intended­targets­of­the­AVMs­are­military­convoys,­but­frequently­ involve­ civilian­ traffic.­ Other­ explosive­

weapons,­particularly­ IEDs,­are­used­in­a­similar­way­by­ANSAs­against­security­forces­and­have­reportedly­inflicted­heavy­casualties­on­them,­but­are­also­used­in­tribal­ and­ sectarian­ disputes.­ Other­ hazards­ include­UXO­and­‘toy­bombs’.­­

“I came to see my childhood friend who lives very near to the LoC. His house is situated on the hilltop so I had to walk to his home. To my regret I used a little-frequented route to his house, and even at times lost sight of his house. I wanted to re-live the memories of my childhood and we often used to use these remote routes for a thrill. On the way, I stepped on a land-mine and it exploded. I fell unconscious and when I came to my senses I was in the hospital. When I was told that I had lost both my legs I couldn’t stop the tears. My whole family started crying. But it was the will of Allah so what can one say? But I hope and pray that no one else goes through the agony and suffer-ing that I have been through.”

Survey Respondent, aged 35, AJK

In­2011,­casualties­occurred­ in­all­FATA’s­seven­tribal­agencies bordering Afghanistan13­and­ in­KPK­districts­adjoining­ the­ tribal­ belt,­ especially­ DI­ Khan,­ Kohat,­Hangu,­ Tank,­ Lower­ and­ Upper­ Dir.­ Most­ casualties­occurred­ in­ areas­ of­ conflict,­ but­ severe­ flooding­ in­2010­carried­mines­and­other­explosive­devices­from­the­ mountains­ of­ South­ Waziristan­ to­ previously­uncontaminated­parts­of­Tank­and­DI­Khan­resulting­in­casualties­when­floodwaters­receded­and­local­inhab-itants returned to their land.14­After­FATA,­the­highest­casualty­ numbers­ were­ found­ in­ Baluchistan­ in­ the­­districts­of­Nasirabad,­Jaffarabad,­Chaman,­Dera­Bugti,­Kohlu,­Quetta­and­Sibi.

2. Mine Use and Impact

AJK is not included here as no incidents in 2011Source: SPADO database

A flood affected area in DI Khan where mines were carried by floods causing casualties

Civilian vs. Combatant Landmine and ERW Casualties 2011

Deaths Injury Total

Civilian 117 248 365

Military 71 159 230

ANSA 35 6 41

Total 223 413 636

Source: SPADO database

10 11

Source: SPADO database

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2001

92 111138

195 212

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

488

271341

421394

636

Number of casualties per year

Incident map 2011

AFGHANISTAN

INDIA

CHINA

IRAN

ARABIAN SEA

Sindh

Punjab

Balochistan

K.P.K­&­FATA

168­Victims

20­Victims

6­Victims

441­Victims

Across­ Pakistan,­ most­ victims­ of­ mines­ and­ other­explosive­ devices­ are­ civilians­who­make­ up­ 57%­ of­the­casualties­recorded­by­SPADO’s­monitoring­of­the­media­ in­ 2011.­ Members­ of­ the­ security­ forces­accounted­ for­ 230­ –­ more­ than­ one-third­ –­ of­ the­overall­casualties­in­the­reports­monitored­by­SPADO.­ANSAs,­which­are­responsible­for­planting­most­mines,­also­ sustained­ casualties,­ including­ 36­ killed­ and­ six­injured.

Adult­ men­ are­ the­ most­ at­ risk,­ accounting­ for­514­(81%)­of­the­total­recorded­victims­in­2011,­and­for­91%­of­the­civilian­casualties,­reflecting­the­more­active­ role­ performed­ by­ men­ outside­ the­ home­according­ to­ local­ culture­ and­ traditions.­ Among­respondents­ in­SPADO’s­survey­of­victims,­56%­were­men­between­the­ages­of­31­and­50,­a­group­which­tends­ to­ be­ their­ family­ breadwinners.­ ­ Data­ shows­that­it­is­economic­need­that­brings­them­into­contact­with­mines­and­other­explosive­devices.­Another­21%­were between the ages of 21 and 30, which is also an economically­ active­ age­ group.­ Most­ respondents­were­ involved­in­farming­and­animal­husbandry,­and­were­ undertaking­ these­ tasks­ at­ the­ time­ of­ their­­accident.­Collecting­firewood­and­scrap­metal­are­also­identified­ as­ risk­ activities.­ Other­ casualties­ were­­travelling,­an­activity­that­becomes­high-risk­in­areas­of­conflict­due­to­the­increased­use­of­AVMs­and­IEDs.

Boys,­ who­ engage­ in­ activities­ outside­ the­ house,­accounted­for­75­casualties.­Women­and­girls,­whose­movements­are­more­restricted­to­their­home,­make­up­22­and­25­of­the­casualties­respectively.­There­are­also­ references­ to­ casualties­ from­ ‘toy­ bombs’­ —­explosive­devices­that­are­said­to­look­like­umbrellas­or­flashlights­—­which­have­mostly­affected­children,­as­in­a­case­in­Hangu­district­of­KPK,­when­one­person­was­killed­and­another­ injured­by­the­explosion­of­a­‘toy-bomb’­that­children­had­picked­up­in­the­fields.15 In­the­most­conflicted­and­mine-affected­areas,­poor­children­engaged­in­collecting­and­selling­scrap­metal­are­also­particularly­at­risk.

What happens next: the social impactThe­concentration­of­mine­and­ERW­contamination­in­conflicted­areas­of­FATA­and­Baluchistan­means­ that­accidents­ inflict­ severe­ hardship­ on­ the­ country’s­poorest­ families­and­ remote­ rural­ communities­with­little­access­to­medical­support­or­economic­opportu-nity.­Since­most­victims­of­mines­and­other­explosive­devices­ are­men­who­ are­ their­ family’s­main­ bread-

winner,­ death­or­ disability­ has­drastic­ consequences­for­their­relatives­and­community.­Those­who­survive­face,­first,­the­expense­of­hospital­treatment­and­then­the­ lifelong­ effects­ of­ injuries­ that­ will­ limit­ or­ end­their­ability­to­work.­Pakistan­has­no­social­safety­net­available­to­assist­the­vulnerable­and­although­some­compensation­and­support­may­be­available­from­the­Government­or­humanitarian­organizations­to­support­survivors’­economic­reintegration,­the­burden­of­sup-port­ falls­ on­ their­ immediate­ family,­ relatives­ and­community.­­

The­ main­ sources­ of­ livelihood­ for­ people­ living­ in­these­ areas­ are­ remittances­ from­ family­ members­working­overseas­and­jobs­in­the­Government­sector.­Animal­husbandry­and­agriculture­are­the­other­main­sources­of­ income.­People­who­have­some­skills­ run­small­ businesses­ of­ their­ own,­ and­ day­ labouring­ is­quite­common.­Landmine­survivors­often­have­to­stop­working­due­to­their­injuries­or­have­to­change­their­occupation­due­to­reduced­mobility­as­a­result­of­their­accident.­ ­Only­a­ few­are­not­ forced­ to­change­their­livelihood­activities.16

‘After my accident, I was no longer able to work and my father was alone to take care of me and my family. He alone bears a heavy burden on his old shoulders. Now we are very poor.’

Survey Respondent, aged 25, Gara Baloch District, Tank

Pakistan’s­ culture­ and­ social­ norms­ help­ to­mitigate­the­economic­ impact­of­disability­on­mine­survivors.­In­ rural­ communities,­ people­ still­ live­ in­ joint­ family­systems.­ Family­members­ pool­ their­ resources.­ This­means­ that­ victims­ are­ not­ considered­ a­ burden­ on­the­ family.­ Nearly­ three-quarters­ (73%)­ of­ respond-ents­in­SPADO’s­survey­said­that­their­accident­had­not­negatively­affected­their­relationship­with­their­family,­which­continued­to­respect­and­care­for­them.­Nearly­one-quarter­ of­ respondents,­ however,­ do­ sense­ a­change­ in­ the­ ­attitude­ of­ family­ members­ towards­them.­

Respondents­said­friends­or­ family­members­are­the­main­ sources­of­financial­help­when­times­are­hard.­

Owning­ farmland­ is­ also­ an­ important­ asset.­ United­Nations­(UN)­agencies­and­various­NGOs­play­a­role­in­helping­ people­ in­ FATA­ and­ KPK­ to­meet­ their­ daily­needs.­The­practice­of­Zakat­ (giving­alms)­also­helps­people in need.

But­ landmine­ and­ ERW­ accidents­ leave­ other­ scars:­the­vast­majority­of­the­survey­respondents­said­that­their­incident­had­affected­them­psychologically.­They­felt­ emotionally­ weak,­ less­ stable­ than­ before,­ and­said­ they­were­ constantly­ haunted­ by­ fear­ of­ losing­another­ family­member­ to­ the­ same­ sort­ of­ device.­SPADO­teams­have­noted­ that­most­victims­suffered­depression,­ anxiety,­ post-traumatic­ stress­ disorders,­social­stigmatization,­feelings­of­inferiority­and­loss­of­hope.­Only­ a­ small­ percentage­of­ the­ victims­ ­ inter-viewed­ said­ they­ did­ not­ suffer­ some­ psychological­effects­following­their­experience.­

‘I have become very worried and mentally I am very disturbed that my family or village members could also be injured or killed in the future as our village members also cultivate their land and tend animals’

Survey Respondent aged 19, Ummar, FR Tank

The­ implications­ of­ injury­ due­ to­ mines­ and­ other­explosive­devices­are­most­severe­for­women­in­rural­and­traditional­communities­such­as­those­surveyed.­In­these­areas­they­contract­marriages­at­a­young­age,­and­consider­ their­marital­status­as­one­of­ the­most­important­aspects­of­their­lives.­Married­women­and­mothers­who­are­responsible­for­taking­care­of­their­children,­ cooking,­ looking­ after­ the­ home­ and­ their­husband­ become­ unable­ to­ perform­ such­ activities­and­men­ in­many­ cases­marry­ another­woman.­ For­single­women­who­are­disabled,­it­is­difficult­to­marry.­

“People openly laugh at me and call me names”

Survey Respondent, aged 32, Barchinari Bajaur Agency

While­ many­ respondents­ (37%)­ said­ relations­ with­other­members­of­their­community­remained­cordial­and­unaffected­by­their­accident­and­disability,­more­than­ half­ (56%)­ said­ relations­with­ their­ community­changed.­The­remaining­respondents­were­unable­to­comment­either­way.­Much­of­the­rural­population­is­illiterate­and­communities­are­often­insensitive­to­the­sufferings­of­people­with­disabilities­(PWDs)­and­una-ware­of­their­rights.­The­importance­and­significance­of­a­person­ is­ judged­by­his­or­her­active­role­ in­the­family­and­community­both­financially­and­physically.­­Among­the­most­hurtful­responses­of­some­commu-nity­ members­ is­ to­ start­ calling­ PWDs­ derogatory­names,­to­the­point­that­community­members­don’t­even­remember­their­given­names.­

Tayyab Hussain stepped on a mine moved downhill by the floods, DI Khan, KPK, October 2010

12 13

Pakistan­has­among­the­highest­number­of­mine­and­ERW­casualties­ in­the­world,­but­the­Government­of­Pakistan­ has­ yet­ to­ recognize­ the­ need­ for­ humani-tarian­mine­action.­It­does­not­permit­NGOs­to­under-take­ any­ humanitarian­ clearance­ of­ mines­ or­ other­explosive­ devices.­ No­ survey­ of­ contamination­ has­occurred­ and­ no­ mechanism­ exists­ for­ coordinating­mine­action­interventions.­With­the­exception­of­victim­assistance,­the­only­area­of­activity­in­which­NGOs­are­permitted­to­engage­is­MRE,­but­organizations­willing­to­undertake­it­face­enormous­challenges.­

Insecurity­ resulting­ from­multiple­conflicts,­ including­the­war­ in­Afghanistan,­hostilities­between­ the­Gov-ernment­and­ANSAs,­and­sectarian­and­tribal­violence,­restricts­access­to­hazardous­areas.­Moreover,­the­atti-tude­of­the­Government­and­religious­leaders­towards­NGOs­makes­it­difficult­for­them­to­work­closely­and­efficiently­with­local­communities.­Obtaining­the­Gov-ernment­ ‘No­Objection­Certificate’­ that­ is­needed­to­work­ in­affected­areas­ is­difficult­and­can­take­many­months,­ sometimes­ even­ years.­ Adding­ to­ the­ chal-lenges,­donors­have­so­far­offered­only­limited­funding­support.

The­Army­Corps­of­Engineers­is­responsible­for­both­lay-ing­and­ clearing­mines.­ The­Army­Corps­of­ Engineers,­the­Frontier­Corps­and­the­police­are­the­only­ones­in­Pakistan­ conducting­ad hoc­mine­ clearance­ and­ EOD.­However,­none­have­ released­detailed­ information­on­their­mine­clearance­and­EOD­activities.­The­army­was­reported­to­have­conducted­demining­operations­in­the­area­of­Chamalang­in­Balochistan­in­2009, clearing­anti-vehicle­ and­ other­ unspecified­mines.­ Army­ engineers­and­the­Frontier­Corps­are­also­said­to­have­undertaken­demining­ operations­ in­ FATA­ and­ the­ Swat­ Valley­ in­2009.17­In­addition,­there­is­a­bomb­disposal­unit­in­each­province­that­works­under­the­police­department.­The­personnel­of­the­bomb­disposal­squad­are­responsible­for­defusing­IEDs,­UXO­and­landmines.­The­communities­call or approach the local police when a device is discov-ered,­which­then­sends­an­expert­to­defuse­the­device.

Before­2009,­little­attention­was­paid­to­MRE,­with­the­exception­ of­ a­ Response­ International­ (RI)­ project­undertaken­ in­Poonch,­Kotli­and­Bhimber­districts­of­AJK­between­2005-2007­funded­by­the­British­Foreign­and­ Commonwealth­ Office,­ and­ a­ combined­ Mines­Advisory­Group­(MAG)­and­Islamic­Relief­project­also­

in­AJK­from­2004-2006.18­Support­for­MRE­rose­briefly­with­ the­ humanitarian­ emergency­ created­ by­ esca-lation­ of­ armed­ conflict­ in­ 2009-2010­ together­with­massive­flooding­ in­2010­which­displaced­millions­of­people,­ particularly­ in­ FATA­ and­ KPK.­ In­ the­ ensuing­humanitarian­ response,­ donors­ provided­ a­ total­ of­US$3,357,471­for­MRE­in­Pakistan­in­2010,­82%­more­than­ in­2009.­As­ in­2009,­ the­European­Commission­(EC)­provided­the­largest­contribution­of­€1.7­million­($2.25­million),­with­ two­ additional­ States­ providing­over­$500,000­each.19

In­the­absence­of­any­other­mine­action­coordinating­mechanism­in­Pakistan,­organizations­undertaking­risk­education­set­up­a­MRE­Working­Group­in­2009,­with­the­ support­ of­ UNICEF.­ The­ group­ met­ monthly­ to­coordinate­activities­and­develop­strategies,­discussing­all­aspects­of­planning­and­implementation,­including­lessons­ learned,­ constraints­ and­ resource­ mobili-zation.­A­sub-group­also­met­on­a­regular­basis­to­work­on­ more­ technical­ aspects­ of­ MRE,­ including­ joint­messaging.­For­example,­RI,­which­had­pioneered­the­first­production­of­MRE­material,­both­ technical­and­illustrated,­ specific­ to­ ordnance­ and­ landmines­deployed­ in­ Pakistan,­ shared­ this­ material­ with­ the­

sub-group.20­Up­to­the­end­of­2011­membership­com-prised­all­ the­humanitarian­organizations­ involved­ in­MRE­in­Pakistan,­including­the­United­Nations­Children’s­Fund­ (UNICEF),­ SPADO,­ MAG,­ Swiss­ Foundation­ for­Mine­Action­(FSD),­the­International­Committee­of­the­Red­Cross­(ICRC),­RI­and­Handicap­International­(HI).­

RI­ in­ partnership­with­ the­ US­ Department­ of­ State/Weapons­Removal­and­Abatement­(WRA)­launched­an­emergency­MRE­ project­ in­ Swat­ valley­ in­ December­2009­following­the­intense­military­action­taken­by­the­Government­of­Pakistan­against­the­TTP.­RI­ reported­that­ it­ was­ able­ to­ reach­ approximately­ 50%­ of­ the­affected­area­and­its­population­of­more­than­1­million­people.

SPADO­ carried­ out­ community-based­ projects­ with­the­support­of­UNICEF­and­FSD­in­the­conflict-affected­districts­ of­ Swat,­ Buner­ and­ Dir,­ providing­ MRE­ to­more­ than­ 229,500­ people­ between­ October­ 2009­and­ March­ 2011.­ By­ then,­ with­ the­ higher­ level­ of­international­ interest­ in­ Pakistan’s­ humanitarian­needs,­ it­had­ significantly­expanded­ the­ scope­of­ its­activities,­ working­ in­ partnership­ with­ other­ mine­action­and­humanitarian­organizations.­­

3. Mine Risk Education and Mine Clearance

Top: MRE Session in School, UNICEF-SPADO, Buner, KPK, 2010Bottom: MRE Session in School, Buner, UNICEF-SPADO, 2010

MRE Session in School, Buner, KPK, SPADO-UNICEF, 2010 MRE Session in Tank, SPADO-MAG

14 15

From­January­2011­to­November­2011,­FSD­worked­in­Pakistan­ in­ partnership­ with­ Basic­ Education­ and­Employable­Skill­Training­(BEST)­delivering­MRE­to­IDPs­returning­to­villages­and­towns­ in­South­Swat­Valley. In addition,­FSD­implemented­MRE­activities­in­the­KPK­Districts­of­Buner,­Dir­and­Shangla­and­in­Bajaur­and­Mohmand­ agencies­ in­ FATA.­ The­ FSD­ team­ worked­closely­with­ local­ authorities­and­other­ stakeholders­to­ integrate­MRE­ into­ relief­ and­ development­ plans­and­ensure­that­demining­benefitted­the­local­popu-lation.­FSD­trained­12­teams­of­men­and­women­from­the­concerned­districts,­each­team­consisting­of­four­field­officers­who­visited­the­authorities,­communities,­civil­societies,­associations,­and­schools­and­informed­the­population­about­UXO­threats.

SPADO­and­MAG­conducted­an­MRE­project­in­the­KPK­districts­of­DI­Khan,­Kohat,­Tank­and­Hangu,­in­2011,­training­140­community­focal­points,­including­79­men­and­ 61­ women.­ The­ focal­ points­ were­ local­ elders,­active­ community­ members,­ teachers­ and­ health­workers­who­facilitated­access­for­MRE­teams­and­dis-tributed­material­ and­messages­ to­ communities­ not­accessible­to­NGOs.­They­were­trained­in­MRE,­identi-fication­of­mines­and­ERW­and­first­aid.­When­ land-mines­ and­ ERW­ were­ found,­ the­ community­ focal­points­would­coordinate­with­the­local­administration­and­ police­ for­ their­ removal.­ Female­ focal­ points­­delivered­MRE­ to­women,­but­ faced­ threats­ to­ their­security­which­forced­some­to­stop­working.­In­addi-tion­to­addressing­the­districts’­ local­population,­ the­project­ delivered­ 4,207­ direct­MRE­ sessions­ to­ IDPs­from­South­Waziristan,­Kurram­and­Orakzai­Agencies­between­mid-February­and­mid-November­to­a­total­of 142,392 individuals, including 36,084 adults and 106,308­ children.­ In­ addition,­ it­ distributed­ a­ wide­range­of­educational­material­ in­the­form­of­ leaflets,­brochures,­ posters­ and­ stickers.­ In­ a­ similar­ project­with­UNICEF,­SPADO­provided­training­for­more­than­41,000­people­in­DI­Khan­and­Tank,­including­training­for­local­media,­teachers­and­community­focal­points.­

Among­other­organizations­providing­MRE,­HI­began­operating­ in­ August­ 2009­ providing­ MRE­ targeting­mainly­ IDPs­ in­camps­ in­ the­FATA­and­KPK.­The­ ICRC­conducted sessions for over 69,000 individuals in 2011,­ including­ IDPs­ living­ in­ camps­ and­ with­ host­families­in­KPK­and­FATA­and,­working­in­partnership­with­the­Pakistan­Red­Crescent­Society,­for­inhabitants­of­three­affected­districts­adjacent­to­the­LoC­in­AJK.­

By­2012,­however,­the­level­of­MRE­activity­had­fallen­sharply.­SPADO’s­projects­with­MAG­and­FSD­ended­at­the­end­of­2011­when­funding­from­the­EC­dried­up­

due­to­the­inability­to­monitor­field­activities.­HI­ceased­its­operation­in­mid-2012.­The­ICRC­also­ ­significantly­reduced­ its­ activities­ after­ failing­ to­ obtain­ Govern-ment­permission­for­access­to­certain­areas­and­after­the­abduction­and­murder­of­a­staff­member­in­May.­Mine­action­receives­little­support­from­the­UN­and­is­not­on­the­agenda­of­most­donors,­primarily­because­of­ lack­ of­ access­ and­monitoring­ possibilities.­While­MRE­has­reached­most­of­the­affected­population­ in­AJK­ and­ the­ conflict-affected­ districts­ of­ KPK­ (e.g.­Swat,­Dir,­Buner­and­Shangla)­mainly­through­educa-tion­ of­ IDPs,­ the­ major­ need­ remains­ FATA­ and­­Baluchistan,­ where­ the­ majority­ of­ casualties­ have­been reported, but which are inaccessible due to security­concerns­and­the­presence­of­ANSAs.

‘I received education/information about landmines/UXO and safe behaviour from SPADO and they give me brochures, posters and stickers. I also tell these lessons to my family, but if this work had started 10 years ago then today I wouldn’t be disabled’

Survey Respondent, aged 31, Jannata Teshsil Sarwakiy, South Waziristan

This­programme­shrinkage­leaves­an­enormous­need­for­MRE­in­an­extremely­challenging­environment­with­high­levels­of­conflict­and­casualties,­high­expectations­of­the­population­and­an­extremely­large­area­to­­cover.­Despite­the­programmes­undertaken­in­the­last­three­years,­ close­ to­ two-thirds­ (62%)­ of­ respondents­ in­

­SPADO’s­survey,­the­ large­majority­of­which­ live­out-side­ the­ MRE­ target­ areas,­ said­ that­ they­ had­ not­heard­ any­ safe­ behaviour­ messages,­ nor­ were­ they­aware­ of­ any­ mine­ action­ being­ conducted­ in­ their­areas. Most respondents believe that people lack information­about­mines­and­other­explosive­devices­and­may­tamper­with­them­out­of­curiosity.­They­also­believe­ risk­ awareness­ programmes­ can­ be­ highly­effective­in­reducing­casualties.

‘All male and female members of the family are aware of such life-saving messages and risk edu-cation sessions, but with great heart breaking sorrow I received these messages only after the anti- personnel mine incident happened to me’

Survey Respondent, aged 25, Gara Baloch Distict, Tank

However,­ responses­ revealed­ some­ apprehensions­about­ NGOs­ within­ these­ communities,­ particularly­those­NGOs,­local­or­foreign,­that­are­funded­by­inter-national­donors.­These­attitudes­reflected­suspicions­on­the­part­of­the­Government­­and­some­religious­groups­that­these­organizations­are­working­against­the­teach-ings­of­ Islam,­and­ local­ Islamic­culture­and­ traditions.­The­scandal­arising­from­the­US­Government’s­use­of­a­vaccination­programme­ to­ identify­Osama­bin­ Laden,­has­further­stigmatized­humanitarian­organizations­as­potential­ spies.21­ It­ also­ partially­ explains­ why­ some­respondents­noted­that­in­conflict­areas­NGOs­remain­ANSA­targets.­Since­2009,­attacks­against­international­organizations­have­increased,­with­19­aid­workers­killed­and­more­than­20­abducted­across­the­country­accord-ing­ to­ Pakistan­ Humanitarian­ Forum­ (PHF).22 It was therefore­felt­by­respondents­that­for­awareness­cam-paigns­to­be­most­successful,­it­was­important­to­involve­Maliks­ (known­and­ respected­ in­ the­ community)­ and­religious­leaders­of­the­affected­communities.

Ludo gaming board used for MRE created by HI

16 17

MRE for children from IDP camp in Dir following the earthquake of 2011

Pakistan­has­ recently­ taken­ important­ steps­ towards­improving­the­situation­of­the­disabled.­On­5­July­2011,­it­ ratified­ the­CRPD­which­ aims­ to­ promote,­ protect­and­ensure­the­full­and­equal­enjoyment­of­all­human­rights­ and­ fundamental­ freedoms­ by­ persons­ with­­disabilities­ at­ all­ levels,­ and­ to­ promote­ respect­for­ their­ inherent­ dignity.­ Implementation­ of­ the­­Convention­is­now­mandatory­for­the­Government­of­Pakistan,­ which­ must­ compile­ a­ detailed­ progress­report­ for­ submission­ to­ the­ UN­ Secretary-General­before 30th­June,­2013.23

Since­ratifying­the­CRPD,­the­Government­has­initiated­steps­toward­its­practical­implementation.­In­this­regard,­the­Directorate­General­of­Special­Education­&­Social­Welfare­ recently­organized­ the­first­National­Consul-­tative­ Seminar­ on­ implementing­ the­ Convention­ on­­ June­14,­2012,­bringing­together­key­Government­and­non-governmental­ stakeholders­ to­ strengthen­ their­participation­and­coordination­in­service­delivery­and­to­ discuss­ strategies­ for­ promoting­ the­ rights­ of­ the­disabled.24­A­National­Committee­is­being­constituted­with­representation­from­all­provinces,­line­ministries,­divisions,­ departments,­ national­ and­ international­NGOs,­ and,­ above­ all,­ persons­ with­ disabilities,­ to­­formulate­an­action­plan­on­CRPD.­

The­Government,­mindful­of­the­rights­of­PWDs,­had­already­taken­a­number­of­steps­before­ratifying­CRPD,­introducing­a­National­Policy­for­Persons­with­Disabilities in­2002­and­then­a­National­Plan­of­Action­(2006)­to­implement­it.­The­Plan­aims­to­determine­the­­extent­of­ disabilities­ and­ their­ causes,­ improve­ vocational­and­ medical­ rehabilitation­ services,­ and­ promote­inclusive­ education­ for­ children­ with­ special­ needs.­It­also­seeks­to­reinforce­vocational­training,­improve­employment­ opportunities­ and­ develop­ legislation­to­ support­ PWDs­ as­ well­ as­ creating­ a­ barrier-free­physical­ environment,­ providing­ sports­ facilities­and­ increasing­ support­ for­ NGO­ service­ delivery,­­particularly­in­rural­areas.25

Despite­these­significant­policy­advances,­there­are­no­specialized­medical,­ surgical­ or­ first­ aid­ facilities­ for­landmine­ and­ other­ casualties­ close­ to­ the­ mine-affected­areas­in­Pakistan,­and­local­hospitals­are­not­adequately­ equipped­ to­ respond­ to­ the­ needs­ of­ survivors.26­ There­ are­ not­ enough­ trained­ staff,­­medicines­and­equipment,­ambulances­or­first­aid­ser-vices,­partly­due­to­a­lack­of­funding­and­the­absence­of­ infrastructure.­ Seriously­ injured­ people,­ including­

landmine­ casualties,­ are­ referred­ to­ the­ hospitals­ in­provincial­capitals­or­to­the­sub-provincial­centres.

Pakistan’s­ approach­ to­ disability­ treats­ PWDs­ in­ the­same­way­regardless­of­the­cause­of­the­disability.­The­Ministry­of­Social­Welfare­and­Special­Education­and­its­National­Council­for­the­Rehabilitation­of­Disabled­Persons­are­responsible­for­protecting­the­rights­of­all­persons­with­disabilities.­With­the­help­of­a­Computer-ized­National­Identity­Card­(CNIC),­which­carries­a­spe-cial­logo,­PWDs­have­access­to­a­range­of­services:­the­Ministry­of­Social­Welfare­and­Special­Education­pro-vides­ free­ education­ and­ school­ uniforms­ to­ PWDs­below­the­age­of­18.­PWDs­receive­free­medical­care­and­rail­and­airfares­are­available­at­a­50­%­discount.27 Those­with­physical­handicaps­can­import­cars­free­of­duty­and­there­is­a­2%­quota­for­PWDs­in­government­jobs.28

The­Ministry­of­Social­Welfare­ is­also­responsible­for­providing­vocational­training­and­supporting­physical­rehabilitation­and­operates­a­national­training­centre­in­Islamabad­for­that­purpose.­However,­these­services­are­only­available­ to­PWDs­aged­over­18.­Moreover,­limited­ funding­ and­ outreach­ makes­ access­ difficult­for­many­families.­It­provides­prosthetic­and­orthotic­devices­but­these­have­to­be­funded­either­by­Pakistan­Baitul­Mal­or­Benazir­Income­Support­Program­(BISP).29

Conflict­in­FATA­and­KPK­has­created­huge­demand­for­victim­assistance­and­in­response­several­international­

and­national­organizations­have­increased­the­availa-bility­of­services­in­affected­areas,­including­emergency medical­ services­ and­ new­ physical­ rehabilitation­ centres.

ICRC­doubled­the­capacity­of­its­Peshawar­field­hospi-tal­ in­ 2010,­ but­ suspended­ its­ activities­ there­ after­the­ abduction­ and­murder­ of­ its­ health­ programme­

­manager­in­Quetta­in­April­2012.­However,­it­has­also­supported­mobile­health­units,­provided­medical­sup-plies­ and­ equipment­ to­ local­ hospitals­ in­ conflict-affected­areas­as­well­as­training­in­war­surgery­for­local­doctors. It also staged two workshops for 20 doctors from­ ­hospitals­and­other­medical­ facilities­ in­FATA­ to­collect­ accurate­ information­ on­ mine/ERW­ victims.30 Médecins­Sans­Frontières­ (MSF),­after­closing­a­pro-gram­ in­ Swat­ providing­ emergency­ surgery­ in­ 2001,­­re-opened­ the­ facility­ in­ 2010­ and­ opened­ a­ new­emergency­medical­department­in­Hangu­district­of­KPK.

Helping­Hand­for­Relief­and­Development­(HHRD)­and­Pakistan­Institute­of­Prosthetic­and­Orthotic­Sciences­(PIPOS)­each­opened­ two­new­rehabilitation­centres­in­conflict-affected­areas­of­the­country.­Five­rehabili-tation­centres­supported­by­the­ICRC­increased­capa-city­and­outreach­enabling­a­90%­rise­in­the­number­of­ survivors­ receiving­ prosthetics­ in­ 2010.­ The­ ICRC­also­conducted­outreach­visits­in­AJK­and­reimbursed­patients­visiting­all­ ICRC-supported­centres­for­trans-port­ and­ accommodation,­ as­ well­ as­ the­ cost­ of­­treatment­at­PIPOS­centres.31­RI­also­provided­physio-therapy­ to­ landmine­ victims­ prior­ to­ closing­ their­operations­in­May­2012.

The­ Government­ of­ Pakistan­ has­ a­ medical­ support­plan­ for­ emergency­ medical­ evacuation­ of­ military­landmine­ and­ ERW­casualties­ to­ army­medical­ units­and­ field­ hospitals­ in­ affected­ areas.­ Rehabilitation­services­for­military­landmine­and­ERW­survivors­are­available­ through­ army­ hospitals.­ Complicated­ cases­are­referred­to­the­Armed­Forces­Institute­of­Rehabili-tation­Medicine­ (AFIRM),­but­ admission­waiting­ lists­of­ up­ to­ a­ year­ were­ reported­ in­ 2010­ because­ of­shortages­of­staff­and­lack­of­funds.­Those­who­were­admitted­ typically­ waited­ several­ months­ before­receiving­ a­ prosthetic.­ The­ quality­ of­ the­ prosthetic­devices available depended on the rank of the soldier rather than on his needs.32

Few­psychological­ support­and­economic­ integration­programmes­ are­ available.­ HI­ provides­ psychosocial­support,­which­began­as­part­of­ its­emergency­relief­program­ in­ 2009.­ Leonard­ Cheshire­ Disability­ (LCD)­provides­counselling­for­all­persons­with­disabilities­in­conflict-affected­ areas.­ LCD­ launched­ a­ livelihoods­project­ in­ KPK­ in­ 2010­ for­ persons­ with­ disabilities,­aiming­ to­ include­ 1,500­ beneficiaries.­ The­ ICRC­ pro-vides­ small­ grants­and­business­ training­ through­ the­Muzaffarabad­Physical­Rehabilitation­Centre.­

Landmine victim assistance, DI Khan, KPK

4. Victim Assistance

Khoza Bibi, landmine victim, DI Khan, 2010

18 19

In­2010,­SPADO­expanded­its­efforts­to­connect­survi-vors­in­KPK­and­FATA­to­all­available­victim­assistance­services,­ but­ it­ was­ forced­ to­ end­ its­ operations­in­ ­conflict-affected­ areas­ after­ the­ Government­­cancelled­ its­ permission­ to­work­ there.­ The­Govern-ment­gave­no­reasons­for­turning­down­its­application­for­a­Non-Objection­Certificate.

In­Quetta,­Baluchistan’s­main­city,­Orthotic,­Prosthetic­and­Physiotherapy­Centre­(OPPC)­provides­free­pros-thetic­limbs­attracting­large­numbers­of­visitors­every­day,­particularly­since­the­closure­of­prosthetic­services­provided­by­the­Christian­Hospital­in­Quetta.­However,­the­ hospital,­ which­ is­ funded­ mainly­ by­ donations,­treats­4,000­to­5,000­patients­a­year,­providing­wheel­chairs and other devices free of cost to poorer patients.33­Quetta’s­Alkhidmat­Hospital,­which­ is­ run­by­ charities,­ also­ provides­ free­ prosthetic­ limbs­ and­assistive­devices­to­both­Pakistan­and­Afghan­nationals.­It­conducts­orthopaedic­surgery­free­of­charge,­treats­fractures­and­dislocations­and­provides­physiotherapy,­coping­with­about­3,000­patients­a­year.34 Perceptions of victim assistance in the communitySPADO’s­ survey­ found­ that­most­ respondents­ (62%)­sought­ treatment­ of­ mine/ERW­ injuries­ in­ Govern-ment­hospitals,­which­provide­free­care­and­medica-tion,­27%­used­both­Government­hospitals­and­private­clinics,­and­11%­went­exclusively­to­private­clinics.

Survivors­consider­that­the­Government­plays­a­critical­role­in­care­and­treatment,­but­were­also­critical­of­the­quality­ of­ service­ provided.­ Some­ said­ the­ hospital­procedures­were­very­complicated­and­some­respond-ents­ observed­ that­ one­ needed­ contacts­ in­ Govern-ment­to­receive­the­assistance­needed.­Most­respond-ents­looked­favourably­on­the­role­of­NGOs­providing­medical­ treatment­and­victim­assistance,­although­a­few­ considered­ that­ NGOs­were­ just­ creating­ photo­opportunities­for­their­own­benefit.­Private­clinics­and­hospitals­ provided­ better­ care­ and­ medication­ than­Government­facilities,­respondents­said,­but­they­were­also­much­more­expensive.

Pakistan’s­ security­ services­ played­ a­ very­ important­role,­ transporting­the­ injured­to­hospitals­ in­conflict-affected­areas,­respondents­said,­but­they­played­little­if­any­role­in­victim­assistance.­Religious­charities­and­political­ parties­ played­ no­ part­ at­ all­ in­ victim­assis-tance­ and­ respondents­ thought­ they­ could­ be­more­involved­because­they­were­well­accepted­by­commu-nities­in­areas­of­conflict.­Respondents­said­advocacy­groups­“tried­to­look­busy”­but­also­played­no­part­in­helping­ victims­ and­ expressed­ a­ desire­ to­ see­ them­­become­more­engaged.­

It­ is­ their­ families,­ all­ respondents­ said,­ that­ play­ a­major­role­in­providing­sympathy,­care­and­psycholog-ical­support­as­well­as­financial­assistance.

Significant­numbers­of­civilians­continue­to­be­killed­or­injured­every­year­due­to­the­presence­of­mines­and­ERW­ in­ Pakistan,­ and­ the­ numbers­ are­ rising­ rather­than­ decreasing.­While­ some­ contamination­ can­ be­attributed­ to­ previous­ wars­ and­ inter-communal­­violence,­ mines­ and­ other­ devices­ are­ increasingly­used­in­conflicts­between­ANSAs­and­the­Government.­

It­ is­ urgent­ to­ address­ the­ humanitarian­ needs­ of­mine-affected­communities­ in­Pakistan.­Yet­ this­ very­activity­is­severely­hampered­by­the­insecurity­and­on-going­conflicts­in­affected­areas,­predominately­FATA,­PKP­and­Baluchistan­and­by­the­very­ limited­funding­available­ for­ mine­ action.­ There­ also­ appears­ to­ be­reluctance­ at­ the­ Government­ level­ to­ address­ the­problem­or­ to­ support­ and­ facilitate­ other­ organiza-tions­doing­so.­

Despite­these­challenges,­some­mine­action­has­taken­place,­ including­ victim­ assistance,­ MRE­ and­ ad hoc clearance­by­Government­security­forces.­Victim­assis-tance­ is­ perhaps­ most­ advanced,­ with­ the­ Govern-ment­taking­significant­steps­in­this­direction,­including­the­ ratification­ of­ the­ CRPD.­ As­ this­ report­ demon-strates,­ much­ still­ remains­ to­ be­ done­ to­ ensure­­services­are­available­in­or­nearer­to­conflict-affected­areas.

While­ MRE­ was­ undertaken­ among­ IDPs­ starting­ in­2009,­these­programmes­were­never­able­to­reach­the­most­ mine-affected­ communities­ directly,­ and­ have­been­dramatically­scaled­back­over­the­last­18­months.­But­ MRE­ can­ never­ be­ a­ sustainable­ substitute­ for­a­ comprehensive­ humanitarian­ mine­ clearance­ pro-gramme­to­remove­the­risk­from­people’s­lives­entirely.­Until­ that­ happens,­mines­ will­ continue­ to­ threaten­the­ lives­ and­ livelihoods­ of­ communities­ in­ affected­areas.

The­Government­of­Pakistan­has­a­clear­responsibility­to­ take­the­ lead­on­humanitarian­mine­action­ in­ the­country,­ but­ must­ not­ be­ left­ to­ take­ on­ that­ task­alone.­ It­ can­ and­ should­ seek­ assistance­ from­ the­international­ community,­ specifically­ other­ Govern-ments,­the­UN­and­international­mine­action­agencies.­Local­organisations­should­also­be­involved,­especially­those­that­have­gained­the­respect­and­trust­of­affected­communities.­ Yet,­ until­ mines­ and­ other­ explosive­devices­are­no­longer­being­used,­most­specifically­by­the­ANSAs,­the­problem­will­continue.­

MRE Session in Buner, SPADO-UNICEF, 2010

20 21

Conclusion

To the Government of Pakistan­ At­the­international­and­national­political­level:–­­ The­Federal­Government­should­acknowledge­the­

problem­caused­by­landmines­and­ERW­and­begin­taking­steps­to­address­this.­A­key­step­would­be­to­establish­ a­ national­ centre­ to­ undertake­ humani-tarian­mine­action­and­coordinate­implementation­with­Provincial­Governments.­The­centre­should­be­granted­ the­ independence­ and­ authority­ to­ seek­the­necessary­resources­to­address­landmines­and­ERW­contamination,­carry­out­impact­and­technical­surveys,­mandate­and­facilitate­humanitarian­clear-ance­ and­ EOD­ training,­ and­ seek­ assistance­ from­the­ international­ community­ and­ humanitarian­mine­action­organizations­as­needed.­

–­­ The­Federal­Government­should­begin­the­process­for­ accession­ to­ the­ Anti-Personnel­ Mine­ Ban­­Convention.­One­step­could­be­to­submit­a­volun-tary­Article­7­report,­another­could­be­to­address­the­ landmine­ issue­ in­ the­ Confidence­ Building­Measures­(CBMs)­with­the­Government­of­India.­

–­­ The­process­humanitarian­organizations­must­follow­to­ obtain­ Government­ approval­ for­ new­ pro-grammes­and­projects­is­not­clear.­The­Federal­and­Provincial­ Governments­ should­ therefore­ clarify­the­ proper­ procedure­ and­ steps­ these­ organiza-tions­need­ to­ take­ in­ order­ to­ gain­permission­ to­work,­specifically­in­contaminated­areas.­

With­regard­to­MRE:–­­ The­Government­should­ensure­that­MRE­is­reach-

ing­ all­ affected­ communities.­ This­ would­ entail­expediting­approvals­for­MRE­projects­by­both­local­and­international­organizations,­as­well­as,­ensuring­that­proper­coordination­is­maintained­to­allow­for­maximum­coverage.

–­­ In­conflict­and­mine­affected­areas,­MRE­should­be­delivered as part of school curricula.

With­regard­to­mine­clearance:–­­ While­ the­ Pakistan­ Army­ and,­ to­ a­ lesser­ extent,­

police­are­capable­of­clearing­landmines­and­ERW­on an ad hoc­basis,­the­Government­should­ensure­that­ all­ field-level­ units­ in­ conflict-affected­ areas­are­properly­equipped­and­trained­in­humanitarian­mine­ clearance­ and­ EOD.­ The­ Government­ could­seek­assistance­from­the­international­community­and­mine­action­agencies.­The­Government­should­also­ consider­ allowing­ humanitarian­ mine­ action­agencies­ to­ offer­ their­ many­ years­ of­ experience­and assist in the clearance process.

–­­ The­Provincial­Governments,­local­army­and­police­should­develop­a­response­mechanism­for­clearing­landmines­or­ERW­discovered­by­a­community,­and­local­ communities­ should­ be­ informed­ about­ the­proper­channels­of­communication.­

With­regard­to­victim­assistance:–­­ Timely­and­effective­medical­and­physical­rehabili-

tation­ services­ for­ landmine­ and­ ERW­ victims,­ as­well­as­people­with­other­disabilities,­are­essential.­Therefore,­steps­should­be­made­to­ensure­access­to­proper­medical­facilities­that­can­provide­first­aid­as­well­ as­ surgery­ for­ landmine­ and­ ERW­ victims­close­ to­ conflict-affected­ communities.­ The­ Gov-ernment­should­consider­seeking­the­assistance­of­the­international­community­or­international­NGOs­as­necessary­to­ensure­proper­care­is­provided.

–­­ The­Provincial­Governments­should­each­establish­a­central­database­and­registration­process­for­­victims­of­landmines­and­ERW,­in­order­to­adequately­track,­plan­for­and­provide­service­delivery.­It­is­important­that­ referral­ protocols­ on­ how­ ­victims­ can­ access­Government­services­are­developed.­A­robust­out-reach­programme­to­inform­­survivors­and­their­fam-ilies­of­available­services­should­be­ initiated.­Local­NGOs­could­work­with­the­Government­in­order­to­ensure­maximum­coverage.­

–­­ As­part­of­efforts­to­address­the­needs­of­disabled­people­in­general­and­landmine­and­ERW­victims­in­particular,­ the­ Government­ should­ do­ its­ best­ to­ensure public buildings are handicap accessible.

–­­ The­ Government­ should­ increase­ its­ support­ to­NGOs­providing­services­to­persons­with­disabilities­in rural areas through social welfare and other line departments.­ This­ will­ help­ NGOs­ to­ reach­ the­neediest people and coordinate with relevant gov-ernment­ institutions­ in­ providing­ efficient­ and­effective­services­to­the­PWDs.

–­­ No­mechanism­exists­to­link­PWDs­to­the­organiza-tions­that­provide­services.­The­Government­should­develop­linkages­with­relevant­organizations­at­dis-trict, provincial and federal levels. This will also help in pooling of resources and sharing of ideas and­knowledge­between­Government­and­NGOs.

–­­ Although­ the­ Government­ in­ some­ cases­ provides­mine­and­ERW­victims­cash­compensation­and­ free­medical­ services­ in­ Government­ hospitals,­ no­ com-prehensive­social­security­ is­available­to­victims­and­their­families.­The­Government­should­provide­basic­needs,­ i.e.­ education,­ skills­ training,­ nutrition­ and­micro­credit­schemes­to­the­victims­and­their­families.­

Recommendations: To the international community, donors and international humanitarian actors–­­ A­clear­divide­should­be­maintained­between­ the­

provision­of­humanitarian­assistance­and­any­intel-ligence­ gathering,­ otherwise,­ the­ security­ of­ all­humanitarian­ providers­ and­ beneficiaries­ are­ at­risk.

–­­ Donor­ Governments­ should­ engage­ the­ Pakistan­Government­ in­ a­ dialogue­ on­ the­ provision­ of­humanitarian­ mine­ action,­ offering­ support­ and­expertise­as­necessary.­

–­­ International­ humanitarian­ actors­ should­ involve­local­organizations­in­the­development­and­imple-mentation­ of­ humanitarian­ projects,­ specifically­MRE­ and­ victim­ assistance,­ as­ they­ have­ more­acceptance­ within­ the­ local­ communities.­ Their­capacities­to­manage­and­deliver­assistance­should­be strengthened.

–­­ Development­ work­ carried­ out­ in­ contaminated­areas­should­integrate­mine­action.­

–­­ There­ is­ a­ great­ need­ for­ free­ medical­ care­ and­assistive­devices­for­all­landmine­and­ERW­victims,­as­ well­ as­ other­ people­ with­ disabilities.­ Donors­and­ international­ organizations­ should­ work­with­the­Government­to­ensure­this­becomes­a­reality.

–­­ The­UN­Protection­Cluster­in­Pakistan­should­inte-grate­mine­action­in­humanitarian­responses­where­relevant­ (i.e.­ in­flood­response),­and­help­ identify­gaps­and­facilitate­coordination­among­the­human-itarian­ actors.­ Documentation­ produced­ by­ the­cluster­and­ its­members­ should­also­highlight­ the­mine­ action­ needs.­ In­ addition,­ it­ could­ increase­advocacy­ efforts­ towards­ strengthening­ the­ Gov-ernment’s­ response­ to­mine­ action,­ and­ assist­ in­resource­mobilization.­

–­­ The­UN­Protection­Cluster­in­Pakistan­should­report­on­the­presence­of­mines­and­ERW­and­the­threat­they­pose­to­civilians­and­in­country­reports,­espe-cially­when­it­concerns­the­return­process­or­other­development­or­rehabilitation­activities­for­IDPs.

To local and national organizations–­­ As­indicated­in­SPADO’s­interviews,­local­communi-

ties­ are­ at­ times­ insensitive­ to­ the­ suffering­ of­­landmine­and­ERW­victims,­not­ to­mention­other­people­with­disabilities,­and­the­support­they­need.­Local­NGOs­are­well­placed­to­promote­awareness­on­this­issue­among­affected­communities.­

–­­ Local­organizations­working­in­insecure­areas­often­keep­a­low-profile­and­work­in­isolation.­However,­to­adequately­address­mine­action,­there­is­a­need­

to­interact­and­coordinate­with­other­organizations­engaged­ in­ similar­ projects­ in­ order­ to­ produce­maximum­results.­

–­ NGOs­ should­ consider­ developing­ micro-credit­schemes­ for­ people­ with­ disabilities,­ including­landmine­ and­ ERW­ victims,­ as­ part­ of­ a­ broader­effort­to­expand­and­reinforce­vocational­training,­employment­ and­ economic­ rehabilitation.­Where­possible, these endeavours should be linked to Government­efforts­of­the­same.

–­­ There­ is­ a­ need­ to­ follow­ up­MRE­ projects.­ One­method­ could­be­ to­ run­ safety­messages­ in­ radio­broadcasts­in­efforts­to­refresh­people’s­memories.

– An­effort­should­be­made­to­mobilise­national­opinion on­ the­ issue­ of­ landmines­ and­ ERW,­ raising­ the­voice­ of­ victims­ in­ order­ to­ put­ pressure­ on­ the­Government­ to­ respond­ to­ the­ rights­ of­ peoples­with­ disabilities.­ This­ should­ be­ done­ through­ a­coalition­formed­to­work­with­the­Government­on­solutions­to­the­problem.

–­­ A­ public­ campaign­ should­ be­ launched­ to­ raise­awareness­of­the­negative­impact­caused­by­land-mines­and­ERW.

To armed non-State actors–­­ ANSAs­ should­ halt­ the­ use­ of­ all­ victim-activated­

landmines­and­IEDs.–­­ ANSAs­ should­ stop­ the­ use­ of­ anti-vehicle­ mines­

and­similar­devices­in­civilian­areas­in­order­to­avoid­unintended­harm­to­the­population.

–­­ ANSAs­ should­ take­ immediate­ steps­ to­ safeguard­civilians­ from­ the­ indiscriminate­ effects­ of­ mines­and­other­explosive­devices,­by­mapping­and­mark-ing­their­location­and­informing­local­communities,­in­ preparation­ to­ undertaking­ or­ facilitating­ the­clearance of these devices.

–­­ ANSAs­must­halt­all­acts­of­intimidation,­kidnapping­and­attacking­of­humanitarian­personnel,­including­those­ working­ on­ humanitarian­ mine­ action­ in­accor­dance­with­their­obligations­under­International­Humanitarian­Law.

–­­ ANSAs­ should­ allow­ and­ facilitate­ humanitarian­mine­action­activities.

22 23

1UN (United Nations). 2012. The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (“Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons”, CCW) – Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices as amended on 3 May 1996 (“Amended Protocol II”): Article 13, Annual Report by Pakistan. 31 March. 2012. Available at http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B8954/%28httpAssets%29/9348C3DDF1A12B89C12579E50066ECF3/$file/Pakistan_APII+NAR+2012.pdf (access 15/10/12).

2UN (United Nations). 2006. The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (“Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons”, CCW) – Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices as amended on 3 May 1996 (“Amended Protocol II”): Article 13, Annual Report by Pakistan. 10 November 2006. Available at http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B8954/%28httpAssets%29/D9434CFB5339F124C125722E0052D7A4/$file/Pakistan.pdf (accessed 15/10/12); UN (United Nations). 2007. The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (“Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons”, CCW) – Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices as amended on 3 May 1996 (“Amended Protocol II”): Article 13, Annual Report by Pakistan. 15 August 2007. Available at http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B8954/%28httpAssets%29/EA8B570F69FB4DCAC125738500504950/$file/Pakistan.pdf (last visited 15/10/12).

3It is difficult to identify the full range of explosive devices used or left over following the various armed clashes across the country, as media and Government reports do not go into details. However, it is evident that IEDs as well as other ERW are also present.

4SPADO has collected into a database information from the media on casualties by landmines and victim-activated IEDs, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and booby traps for the period 2011 and 2012. This information is based on the data contained therein.

5Joint Staff Headquarters, Strategic Plans Division, ACDA Directorate. 2002. Letter to Coordinator, Pakistan Campaign to Ban Landmines. 04 April 2002. Reproduced in Landmine Monitor Report 2002 in Pakistan chapter under the tile “Past Use”. Available at: http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/publications/display?act=submit&pqs_year=2002&pqs_type=lm&pqs_report=pakistan&pqs_section= (accessed 19/06/2012).

6A landmine victim, as defined in the Guiding Principles for Victim Assistance compiled by the Working Group on Victim Assistance of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, is anyone, either individually or collectively, that has suffered physical, emotional and psycho-logical injury, economic loss or substantial impairment of their fundamental rights through acts or omissions related to mine utilization. Thus, mine victims include directly impacted individuals, their families, and communities affected by mines. Document available on www.icbl.org.

7Human Rights Watch, 2009. Pakistan: Taliban and Army must minimize harm to civilians. 18 May, 2009. Available at: http://www.hrw.org/news/2009/05/18/pakistan-taliban-army-must-minimize-harm-civilians (accessed 16/10/12). See also Daily Times (Pakistan). 2009. Press Statement. 21 May 2009. “Taliban’s use of landmines in Swat condemned.” Available at: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\05\21\story_21-5-2009_pg7_41http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\05\21\story_21-5-2009_pg7_41www.dailytimes.com.pk

8SPADO database.

9Ibid.

10Shandana Aurangzeb Durrani, UNICEF Pakistan. 2010. UNICEF responds to unexploded ordnance threat in aftermath of Pakistan flood crisis – Flash floods carry landmines from conflict zone. 10 November 2010. Available at http://www.unicef.org/protection/pakistan_56777.html (last visited 11/10/12).

11SPADO database.

12Ibid.

13The tribal areas include South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Mohmand, Bajaur and Khyber agency.

14Farman Ali, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Pakistan. 9 November, 2010, UNICEF responds to the unexploded ordnance threat in aftermath of Pakistan flood crisis. Available at: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/pakistan_56777.html (accessed 09/10/2012).

15The News. 2011. ‘Forces claimed killing six militants in Orakzai’ . 24 April 2011. Available at: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-7-43326-Forces-claim-killing-six-militants-in-Orakzai (access 11/10/2012).

16According to landmine victims surveyed by SPADO.

17Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor. 2011. Pakistan: Mine Action. Last updated 1 October 2011. Available at http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/cp/display/region_profiles/theme/2097 (accessed 3/10/12).

18Landmine Monitor 2004, “Pakistan: Mine Risk Education” available at http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/publications/display?act=submit&pqs_year=2004&pqs_type=lm&pqs_report=pakistan&pqs_section= (accessed 8/11/12); and Landmine Monitor 2007 “Pakistan: Mine Risk Education” available at http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/publications/display?act=submit&pqs_year=2007&pqs_type=lm&pqs_report=pakistan&pqs_section= (access 9/11./12)

19Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor, 2012. Pakistan: Support for Mine Action. Last updated 10 September 2012. Available at: http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/cp/display/region_profiles/theme/2096 (access 5/10/12).

20Email received from Philip Garvin, Chief Executive Officer of Response International on 8 November 2012.

21Mohammad Ali, Syed. 2012. ‘Mixing humanitarian work and espionage.’ The Express Tribune. 23 September.

22Wake, Damon. 2012. ‘Kidnappings threaten Pakistan aid work.’ AFP, 9 May.

23Pakistan Press International. 2012. ‘First national consultative seminar on implementation of UNCRPD on Thursday’ 12 June 2012. Available at: http://ppinewsagency.com/43175/ (access 15/10/2012).

24Ibid

25Ibid

26Mr. Mazoor Ahmad, Administrator Orthotic, Prosthetic and Physiotherapy Center (OPPC). 2012. Interview, Quetta Baluchistan, 20 September, 2012.

27Mr. Jawad Afzal, Director Coordination, Directorate General of Special Education and Social Welfare. 2012. Interview, Islamabad, 12 August 2012.

28Employment and Rehabilitation for Disabled. 1981. Presidential Ordinance Gaz. of Pak. Extr. Pt. 1, Dec. 24, 1981 available at: http://punjablaws.punjab.gov.pk/.../e55490b0-64e2-4085-94a7-af0a51fcd

29Mr. Jawad Afzal, Director Coordination, Directorate General of Special Education and Social Welfare. 2012. Interview, Islamabad, 12 August 2012.

30Luiza Khazhgerieva, Weapons Contamination Officer, ICRC Pakistan. 2012. Interview and e-mail, 03 October, 2012.

31Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor. 2011. Pakistan: Casualties and Victim Assistance. Last updated 18 October 2011. Available at http://www.the-monitor.org/index.php/cp/display/region_profiles/theme/1260 (access 16/10/12).

32Ibid.

33Mr. Mazoor Ahmad, Administrator Orthotic, Prosthetic and Physiotherapy Center (OPPC). 2012. Interview, Quetta Baluchistan, 20 September, 2012.

34Doctor Umar Farooq, caretaker of Alkhydmat hospital. 2012. Interview, Quetta Baluchistan, 21 September 2012.

Notes

24 25

SPADO-MAG MRE Brochure page 1 used in mine-affected areas of Pakistan

26 27

SPADO-MAG MRE Brochure page 2 used in mine-affected areas of Pakistan

28 29

30 31

Geneva­ Call­ is­ a­ neutral­ and­ impartial­ humanitarian­non-governmental­ organization­ that­ engages­ with­ armed non-State­actors­(ANSAs)­to­promote­their­respect­for­international­ humanitarian­norms­ in­ armed­ conflicts­and­other­situations­of­violence,­in­particular­regarding­the­ protection­ of­ civilians.­ Geneva­ Call­ gives­ ANSAs­the­opportunity­to­adhere­to­and­respect­the­norms­­ of­ International­Humanitarian­Law­(IHL)­and­Interna-tional­Human­Rights­Law­(IHRL).­

To­achieve­this,­Geneva­Call­seeks­a­formal­undertaking­by­ ANSAs,­ inviting­ them­ to­ sign­ and­ comply­ with­a Deed of Commitment­ to­ respect­ these­ norms.­­Signatory­ANSAs­agree­that­Geneva­Call­will­monitor­and­verify­their­compliance.­Geneva­Call­is­currently­focusing­its­efforts­on­banning­the­ use­ of­ anti-personnel­ (AP)­ mines;­ protecting­­children­from­the­effects­of­armed­conflict;­prohibiting­sexual­violence­in­armed­conflict,­and­working­­towards­the­elimination­of­gender­discrimination.­­Geneva­Call­also­ responds­ to­ ANSA­ requests­ to­ help­ build­ their­knowledge­ of­ and­ capacities­ to­ implement­ IHL­ and­IHRL.­Geneva­Call­conducts­on-going­conflict­analysis­

and­ANSA­profiling;­engages­in­dialogue­and­maintains­long-term­relationships­with­ANSAs;­carries­out­advocacy, and­provides­training­and­capacity­building­to­support­its­ objectives.­ Geneva­ Call­ may­ also­ provide­ other­assistance­ and­ services­ within­ communities­ where­ANSAs­operate,­where­this­contributes­to­confidence-building­and­indirect­engagement­with­ANSAs.

Geneva­Call’s­work­is­complementary­to­that­of­other­stakeholders,­ with­ whom­ it­ seeks­ to­ co-ordinate.­Where­ relevant,­ Geneva­ Call­ collaborates­ with­ such­organizations­and­with­local­community­organizations.­

Pursuant­to­common­article­3­to­the­Geneva­Conventions, Geneva­Call’s­work­does­not­affect­the­legal­­status­of­the­parties­to­armed­conflict.

www.genevacall.org

Sustainable Peace & Development Organization (SPADO) is­a­non-profit,­non-political,­and­non-government­organization­registered­in­2002­with­the­Government­of­Pakistan­under­the­Societies­Registration­Act­of­1860.­The­organization­is­struggling­to­provide­a­peaceful­environ-ment­to­all­human­beings­where­they­can­utilize­their­potential­for­Sustain-able­Development.­It­involves­general­public,­organizations­and­individuals­and­operates­under­Pakistani­ law­without­discrimination­on­the­basis­of­religion,­race,­colour,­nationality­and­ethnicity.­

www.spado.org.pk