Key developments since May 2005: Nicaragua served as co-chair of the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration until December 2005. Nicaragua ratified CCW Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War on 15 September 2005. A total of 353,562 square meters of land were cleared in 2005, less than in 2004, and 86 percent of the clearance plan for the year. Nicaragua postponed completion of its National Humanitarian Demining Program to 2007, due to clearance delays and continuing discovery of mines not included in military records. In 2005, 92,257 people in 303 high-risk communities received mine risk education; programs were revised in early 2006 in view of continuing mine/UXO casualties. In 2005, casualties doubled with 15 new mine/UXO casualties recorded; another six casualties had occurred by May 2006.
The Republic of Nicaragua signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 4 December 1997, ratified on 30 November 1998, and became a State Party on 1 May 1999. Legislation to enforce the antipersonnel mine prohibitions domestically, Law 321, was enacted on 7 December 1999 and includes penal sanctions.[1]
Nicaragua submitted its seventh Article 7 transparency report, covering the period to 28 February 2006.[2] It used the new expanded reporting format for Form D on retained mines as agreed by States Parties at the Sixth Meeting of States Parties.
Nicaragua acted as a vice president of the Sixth Meeting of States Parties in Zagreb, Croatia in November-December 2005. It was the first country to speak during the General Exchange of Views, and also intervened on the topic of mine clearance. At the meeting, Nicaragua completed its term as co-chair of the treaty’s intersessional Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration. Nicaragua attended the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in June 2005 and May 2006 in Geneva; at the May 2006 meeting, Nicaragua made presentations on its mine clearance and victim assistance programs.
Nicaragua has not expressed clear views with respect to key issues of interpretation of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Mine Ban Treaty. Nicaragua has said it “supports all elements of Article 1” and the prohibition on assisting banned acts, but it has not elaborated on what acts it considers permissible and prohibited.[3] Nicaragua’s 2005 National Defense Book contains a commitment not to “assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under the Ottawa Convention.”[4] Nicaragua reiterated in May 2006 that it has not taken a position on whether antivehicle mines with sensitive fuzes or sensitive antihandling devices are banned under Article 2 of the treaty.[5] Nicaragua has not stated its view on the permissible number of mines retained for training under Article 3.
Nicaragua is party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its Amended Protocol II on landmines, but did not attend the Seventh Annual Conference of States Parties to the protocol in November 2005, and did not submit the annual report required by Article 13. Nicaragua ratified CCW Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) on 15 September 2005.
Nicaragua has stated that it has never produced antipersonnel mines.[6] It is not known to have ever exported mines.
Nicaragua destroyed its stockpile of 133,435 antipersonnel mines between 12 April 1999 and 28 August 2002.[7] According to its most recent Article 7 report, Nicaragua retained a total of 1,021 antipersonnel mines for training as of February 2006.[8] The report indicated that the Nicaraguan Army had destroyed 19 retained antipersonnel mines. Five PP-MiSR-11 mines were destroyed during a demining training course held in October and November 2005, while 14 PMN mines were deactivated by dismantling and destroying the charge and detonators, so that the casings could be used for mine detector calibration and deminer training. Sixty antipersonnel mines were transferred, including the 14 PMN mines to the Engineer Corps and another 46 to the mine detection dog training unit.[9]
In March 2006, Nicaragua informed Landmine Monitor that following the completion of the demining plan, it would present a plan for reducing the number of mines retained for training.[10]
Nicaragua has previously reported that it possesses 121 Claymore-type directional fragmentation mines (MON series). It has stated these mines are “not included in the restrictions established by the Ottawa Convention.”[11] The ICBL has urged States Parties to report on the steps they have taken to ensure that Claymore mines can be used in command-detonated mode only (and not with tripwires), so that the mines do conform to the treaty.
Nicaragua’s landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) problem is a result of the 1979-1990 internal armed conflict. Northern areas bordering Honduras, particularly the departments of Jinotega and Nueva Segovia, and the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte, RAAN), were particularly affected as they were used by the Contras as training and logistical centers and consequently became the scene of military operations.[12] In addition, landmines were laid throughout the country for protection of strategic installations, around bridges, electricity towers and agricultural cooperatives, as well as on the Costa Rican border.[13]
According to government military records, the number of mines emplaced in the country in the 1980s, mainly by the Sandinista Popular Army (Ejército Popular Sandinista, EPS), amounted to 135,643 in 991 minefields.[14] Antivehicle mines were not used in large quantities; they were used mostly on the northern border with Honduras.[15] In addition, mined areas not registered in military records continue to be discovered as a result both of information provided by the public and of the occurrence of incidents in areas not previously suspected to be mine-affected.[16] The military has only 80 percent of the records of the mines laid by the EPS during the war, which “are probably not fully detailed or reliable,” and other minefields laid by the Contras were not recorded or marked.[17] According to the government, from 1989 to February 2006, it cleared a total of 11,660 previously unrecorded antipersonnel landmines.[18] Between February 2005 and February 2006, 567 unrecorded mines were destroyed.[19]
Nicaragua reported that, as of March 2006, 27,318 mines remained to be cleared, of which 14,052 were in government military records and 13,266 were not.[20] The registered mines were reported to be in 108 mined areas along 58 kilometers of the northern border and in six other areas in the interior, and the unregistered mines in 116 mined areas along the Honduran border.[21] As of March 2006, the departments of Jinotega and Nueva Segovia, and to a lesser extent the RAAN, remained mine-affected (both registered and unregistered mines).[22]
According to the Organization of American States (OAS), as of December 2005, there were 111 communities (approximately 29,000 residents) living five kilometers or less from the remaining 187 minefields.[23] This is significant progress from the early 1990s, when more than half a million Nicaraguans lived less than five kilometers from mined areas.[24]
Nicaragua is also contaminated with a substantial amount of UXO. Between 1979 and 28 February 2006, Nicaragua reported that a total of 573,064 explosive devices were destroyed.[25] Between February 2005 and February 2006, 14,574 explosive devices were destroyed.[26] Moreover, between 1989 and 11 May 2006, 184 of the reported 846 incidents (more than one in five) were caused by UXO.[27] In 2005 and from January to March 2006, an equal number of landmine and UXO incidents were registered (six each).[28] According to the OAS, caches or large stockpiles of abandoned explosive ordnance have not been found recently in Nicaragua.[29]
National Mine Action Authority: Mine action is under the responsibility of the National Demining Commission (Comisión Nacional de Desminado, CND), established by decree in November 1998.[30] Its main functions are to formulate national mine action policy, assist and coordinate the implementation of the National Humanitarian Demining Program (Programa Nacional de Desminado Humanitario, PNDH), manage international funds for mine-related activities and inform the population of the risks they face. The CND’s president is the Minister of Defense and the Deputy Minister of Defense is executive secretary, with support from a technical secretariat.[31]
In 2004 and 2005, the CND was restructured to improve its effectiveness and better address the challenges of Nicaragua’s mine action program. Members that were no longer active were removed and new members included. Each of the CND’s three subcommissions (on demining, mine risk education and survivor assistance) “plans quarterly meetings and holds informal meetings among some members as required.” Following the completion of demining operations, it is expected that the activities of the demining subcommission will be greatly reduced and the activities of the survivor assistance subcommission will continue with an increased coordination role accorded to the Ministry of Health.[32]
In 2005, a white paper for a proposed national defense policy was approved by the President of Nicaragua; one of the effects of the defense policy is to formalize PNDH as state policy.[33] The CND claimed that the formalization of the program represents Nicaragua’s commitment to mine action and provides a long-term foundation for continued state support for mine action beyond 2009.[34]
The CND’s employees are paid by the Ministry of Defense, but it has no independent operational budget and works with resources from donor countries channeled through the OAS or bilaterally.[35]
Since 1993 the OAS, through the Program for Integrated Action against Antipersonnel Mines (Acción Integral Contra las Minas Antipersonal, AICMA), has provided support to mine action activities in Nicaragua through the Assistance Program for Demining in Central America (Programa de Apoyo al Desminado en Centroamérica, PADCA),[36] with technical support from the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB). OAS support includes funding, equipment and personnel; it also carries out victim assistance and mine risk education.[37]
OAS PADCA is in charge of the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database. It is used to record information on mined areas, mine clearance and casualties, and monthly reports are sent to both the CND and the army.[38] The database is also available to the public through the OAS PADCA webpage. Version 3 of IMSMA has been installed; this will be upgraded to version 4 by the end of 2007.[39]
The IADB is responsible for the Assistance Mission for Mine Clearance in Central America (Misión de Apoyo a la Remoción de Minas en Centroamérica, MARMINCA), an international team in charge of training, supervision and certifying clearance operations.[40 ]
The National Humanitarian Demining Program, initially drafted in 1991 by the Nicaraguan Army and revised in 1999 to be presented to the donor community, focused mainly on the planning of demining operations, detailing the number of mines known at the time (mostly registered mines), their locations and the clearance targets to be achieved. In 2002, a new strategy―the Program of Integral Action Against Mines (Programa de Acción Integral Contra Las Minas, PAICMA)―was drafted by the CND to include the objectives of the 1991-1999 program, but expand its focus by integrating mine risk education and victim assistance goals.[41] PAICMA covers a five-year period from 2002 to 2007, and includes five components: clearance of all mines (by Nicaraguan Army demining units), education and prevention (by local and international NGOs), physical and psychosocial rehabilitation, socioeconomic reintegration and institutional strengthening of the CND.[42]
However, Nicaragua has emphasized that it needs to be flexible in the planning of clearance operations, given the continuous discovery of mines and minefields.[43] Priorities are revisited every year and submitted by the army to the CND for discussion.[44] They are said to be determined according to the threat posed to civilians and the need to access infrastructure such as bridges and electricity towers.[45] It is claimed that every three months, the army meets with the CND to evaluate progress and review new information in order to optimize plans and use of resources.[46]
Nicaragua’s clearance operations started in the south and progressively moved to the north of the country. The south, given the type of soil and proximity to urban centers, provided an easier training ground for the army, before moving to the north where clearance conditions are more difficult due to the terrain and lack of roads; it is also relatively unpopulated and has less mine-affected infrastructure.[47]
The significant amount of mines discovered in recent years and delays in operations have led Nicaragua to postpone several times the estimated date for the completion of the PNDH, originally planned for 2004; first postponed to 2005, then to 2006 and most recently to 2007.[48] Clearance priorities for 2005 and 2006 were the remaining populated areas with landmine problems in the departments of Nueva Segovia and Jinotega, and the RAAN, as they have considerable agricultural production, which is important for the national economy.[49]
In 2007, Nicaragua plans to clear 13,266 unregistered/new mines, mainly in Nueva Segovia and Jinotega departments.[50] The unregistered mines cleared previously were those that could be dealt with at the same time as registered mines, following the priorities set in the PNDH.[51] When an unregistered minefield is reported by the local population, the army verifies the information and if the presence of a minefield is confirmed, determines whether it poses an imminent risk to the population. If it does, operations on other minefields are suspended and focused on the newly discovered one. If it does not, the army marks the area, with a view to clearance at a later date. The CND states that unregistered mines have been reported recently only in Jinotega and Nueva Segovia.[52]
Nicaragua has planned for completion of the PNDH and drafted a “demobilization plan.” After completion of clearance, Nicaragua will maintain a demining team of roughly 130 deminers with the capacity for manual demining, mechanical demining and explosive ordnance disposal in response to reports from the population. The team would also be able to conduct quality assurance and contribute to awareness campaigns.[53] Nicaragua plans to implement measures for the social reinsertion and vocational training of deminers who will no longer be working.
The demobilization plan was to be implemented in 2006. However, given delays in the clearance operations during 2005, Nicaragua stated in May 2006 that it may keep the current structure in 2007, and postpone implementation of the demobilization plan.[54]
Under Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty, Nicaragua is required to destroy all antipersonnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, but not later than 1 May 2009. Although Nicaragua has demonstrated its commitment to comply with the treaty deadline, it has postponed its estimated date for completion of clearance several times, from 2004 to 2007. In the Article 7 report submitted in 2006, Nicaragua claimed that in 2007 it would need continued financial support from the international community for clearance of unregistered mines, and “without that support, Nicaragua won’t be able to declare ‘mine-free’ [status] or ‘completion of humanitarian demining’”.[55]
In March 2006, the CND informed Landmine Monitor that Nicaragua plans to complete clearance of all registered mines by October 2006 and that demining of unregistered mines will continue into 2007.[56] Between 1999 and February 2006, Nicaraguan demining teams had cleared a total of 133,251 antipersonnel landmines, including 11,660 unregistered mines. Out of an original total of 147,303 mines in mined areas, this leaves 14,052 registered mines to be cleared, representing a completion rate of 90.5 percent of the initial, multi-year demining program.[57]
However, there was an additional estimated 13,266 unregistered mines, making a total of 27,318 remaining to be cleared as of March 2006. In 2005, the monthly clearance rate was 1,045 mines.[58] At that rate, it would take 26 months (or until May 2008) for Nicaragua to clear all 27,318 remaining mines. Moreover, the number of unregistered mines is constantly increasing. Nicaragua will need to address the twin problems of the limited clearance rate and an increasing number of unregistered mines if it is to comply with its treaty-mandated deadline of 1 March 2009.
Mine clearance in Nicaragua is the responsibility of Small Demining Units (Pequeñas Unidades de Desminado) from the Nicaraguan Army Engineer Corps. As of December 2005, approximately 650 army soldiers were trained and equipped to engage in mine clearance.[59] In addition, in 2005, the MARMINCA technical team in Nicaragua consisted of 21 individuals from Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela.[60] Clearance operations are organized on five “fronts,” consisting of approximately 100 personnel each.[61] Nicaragua uses a mixture of manual and mechanical demining, and has a mine detection dog unit which is used primarily for quality assurance.[62]
Nicaragua’s Article 7 report submitted in 2006 states that all clearance operations are conducted according to international mine action standards (IMAS); however, no national mine action standards have been adopted.[63]
Within the Nicaraguan Army, a group of 50 deminers referred to as the Signal Squad (Pelotón de Señalización) works as an independent explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) mobile unit to respond to reports from the population of the existence of mines and UXO and to mark mined areas.[64] The unit may be called upon to clear larger areas than usual in EOD operations if a newly discovered mined area presents an emergency to the population and demining teams are fully committed elsewhere. A 24-hour call number has been established for the population to inform the army of newly found mines and UXO. According to OAS PADCA, civilian reporting is greatly enhanced due to the presence of mine risk education personnel in mine-affected regions. The police, equipped with a mine detection dog team, can also perform simple EOD tasks.[65]
Quality assurance is conducted on all cleared areas by MARMINCA using mechanical, manual and mine detection dog methods, depending on the type of land. About 10 percent of each minefield is checked and if a mine or item of UXO is discovered, clearance operations are conducted again on the whole area.[66]
Demining authorities hand over cleared land to the population by a formal announcement that demining operations have been completed. A certificate is signed by the Engineer Corps, the MARMINCA supervision team and the local mayor. Demining officials provide information about whom to contact if other explosive devices are discovered.[67]
A national impact survey has not been carried out in Nicaragua, but several other assessments have been conducted, including by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in December 1998.[68] When new mined areas are reported by the population, the coordinates are recorded with global positioning by satellite recorders that are then uploaded into the IMSMA database.[69]
Not all mined areas are marked or fenced, in part due to the number of mined areas in remote regions, and the fact that previously marked areas have had the markings/fences removed by civilians.[70] When new areas are found that cannot be cleared immediately, these are “informally marked” with tape and red danger signs.[71]
In 2005, 353,562 meters of land were cleared, with 12,540 mines and 14,945 UXO destroyed. This was 86 percent of the plan, and substantially less than the 491,196 square meters cleared in 2004.[72] Clearance operations in 2005 were conducted in 34 mined areas along 36 kilometers of Nicaragua’s northern border; the plan was to clear 63 areas along 54 kilometers of the border. Approximately 15,000 people benefited from clearance operations in 2005.[73]
OAS PADCA reported that, additionally in 2005, “some” antivehicle mines were destroyed as a result of reports from the local population (unregistered minefields).[74] The army EOD unit responded to 327 civilian reports, resulting in the destruction of 370 landmines and 2,166 UXO in 2005.[75]
Nicaragua reported completion of demining operations in the Southern Atlantic Autonomous Region (Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur, RAAS) in May 2005.[76] As of May 2006, all clearance units were concentrating efforts on the two remaining mine-affected departments of Nueva Segovia and Jinotega.[77] Limited demining operations were also planned in the RAAN.[78]
At the Standing Committee meetings in May 2006, Nicaragua explained that the clearance shortfall in 2005 resulted from factors including demining accidents, forest fire, above-average rainfall, deterioration of demining machines, acquisition delays and operational delays with a new demining machine, insufficient mine detectors, poor access to mine-affected areas, and the impact of Hurricane Beta.[79] The discovery of previously unknown minefields was said to have also slowed down the demining process.[80]
In 2006, the construction and repair of roads which would render minefields more accessible, and the acquisition of new demining equipment, were expected to increase clearance rates. Nicaragua planned to destroy 15,391 mines in 56 mined areas in 10 municipalities during 2006. In the first three months, only 1,987 mines had been cleared.[81]
Nicaragua’s Article 7 report states that, from 1989 when demining operations started to 28 February 2006, a total of 4,425,047 square meters were cleared and 8,851,764 square meters declared free of mines, benefiting 1,998,620 people.[82]
Three deminers were injured during clearance operations in 2005. On 4 February 2005, a deminer from Front 3 was injured while working in Juanito; the deminer reportedly slipped and fell onto a mine. [83] On 13 December 2005, two deminers from Front 3 were injured in El Dorado, Nueva Segovia.[84] The accident was caused by difficulties in detecting mines buried deeper than 30 centimeters using available metal detectors. The OAS reported that new detectors, more appropriate to the conditions in northern Nicaragua, were being acquired and tested in May 2006.[85]
All demining accidents are investigated by MARMINCA and the army. When an accident occurs, all fronts stop operations until the causes are established. The two accidents in 2005 did not lead to any changes of standing operating procedures.[86]
According to the OAS PADCA database, there were 25 mine/UXO accidents during clearance operations, resulting in 39 casualties (five killed and 34 injured) from 1990 to 2005.[87]
In 2005, 92,257 people in Nicaragua received mine risk education (MRE). OAS PADCA was the main MRE provider in 2005.[88] All MRE activities were coordinated by the CND’s Education and Prevention Sub-commission.
MRE is focused on priority communities in the remaining mine-affected areas, the departments of Nueva Segovia and Jinotega and the RAAN. In 2005, MRE was also provided in Rancho Grande, Matagalpa department. Prioritization of MRE depends on the number of accidents that have occurred in a given area and the proximity of mine-affected areas.[89]
In 2005, OAS PADCA provided MRE to 92,186 people in 303 high-risk communities in Nueva Segovia (municipalities of Dipilito, Jalapa, Mozonte, Murra, Ocotal, San Fernando, Wiwili de Nueva Segovia), Jinotega (municipalities of El Cua, Jinotega, San Jose de Bocay, Wiwili de Jinotega) and the RAAN (municipalities of Bonanza, Puerto Cabazas, Rosita, Waslala, Waspán).[90] The OAS website provides a higher number of 92,227 people who received MRE in 2005 in all three areas.[91]
In 2005, OAS and the CND evaluated MRE materials being used in Nicaragua. The evaluation included input from young people and adults in mine-affected communities, MRE educators and survivor organizations; it resulted in the creation of new MRE materials that are more appropriate to the reality of affected communities. Some of the changes included increased focus on UXO, the integration of photographs of mines and UXO into the drawings that depict mine-affected areas, and information on the physical and economic impacts of mines/UXO. The new MRE materials were scheduled to be put into use in April 2006.[92]
The CND, with the support of OAS PADCA and UNICEF, published two MRE workbooks for children and youth and distributed them in primary and secondary schools in 2005. In 2005, UNICEF discontinued its Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance Accident Prevention project, established in 1999. In 2006, UNICEF planned to assist with the distribution of MRE booklets to children and youth in primary and secondary schools.[93]
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has supported MRE activities by the Nicaraguan Red Cross since 1998, in particular through delivery of MRE in rural schools and distribution of MRE material in mine-affected areas.[94] Red Cross activities continued in the RAAN, in the districts of Suina and Bonanza, until May and June respectively, with child-to-child activities in 16 communities reaching 3,450 children and adolescents. The Red Cross program in the RAAN was evaluated in December 2005; the “quality of message transition” was thought excellent, but it was questioned whether children were now the most appropriate target group and, generally, whether Suina and Bonanza continued to require MRE.[95] In 2006, the Nicaraguan Red Cross planned to assist a small scale MRE campaign, implemented by volunteers.[96]
In November 2005, Colombian musician Juanes collaborated on the production of radio and television spots designed to communicate MRE messages. Juanes also agreed to return to Nicaragua in October 2006 for a benefit concert to support victim assistance projects in Nicaragua.[97]
The difficult terrain and the isolation of mine-affected communities pose an ongoing challenge to MRE in Nicaragua.[98] The Article 7 report submitted in 2006 highlighted additional challenges. On occasion, people that have received MRE have shown no fear of mines and UXO and, upon finding them, have handled them and caused accidents. Also, MRE signs and other marking materials have been removed from mined areas.[99]
OAS PADCA’s national coordinator reported that the success of the MRE program in Nicaragua can be measured by the reduction in mine incidents, the number of mines collected from civilian homes, the creation of community-based MRE (which enhances sustainability of the campaign), PNDH progress and increased security in affected and formerly affected communities.[100] However, six mine/UXO casualties in the first quarter of 2006, half of them caused by UXO, have led to a reassessment highlighting the need to “develop and implement a larger national risk education campaign with a focus on UXO risk education.”[101]
OAS PADCA plans to provide MRE to 60,000 people in 2006, primarily in the departments of Nueva Segovia and Jinotega; this campaign will put a stronger focus on UXO.[102]
It is difficult to identify mine action funding for Nicaragua on an annual basis, because many donors designate funds for the OAS AICMA multi-country program, and some provide multi-year funding. Nicaragua's mine action activities are funded by the international community, either bilaterally or through the OAS AICMA program.
Landmine Monitor identified at least US$3,499,295 donated in 2005 for mine action in Nicaragua by six countries. In 2004, five donor countries reported donating $3,988,969.[103] Donations in 2005 were reported by:
In addition, Norway donated NOK3,250,000 ($504,564) to OAS for mine action in Nicaragua and Central America; the portion allocated to Nicaragua is not specified.[109] If all these funds had been directed to Nicaragua, the total of international mine action donations in 2005 (about $4 million) would be similar to 2004.
In 2005, OAS PADCA recorded 15 new mine/UXO casualties, including four killed and 11 injured in eight mine/UXO incidents and two mine accidents during clearance operations.[111] Six mine incidents/accidents killed one and injured six people. Four UXO incidents killed three people and injured five. This is a significant increase both in casualties and incidents compared to seven casualties (one killed, six injured) in one mine and four UXO incidents in 2004; seven casualties were also recorded in 2003.[112]
In October 2005, a farmer in Matagalpa stepped on a mine in an area that reportedly had been demined; he lost one leg. On 2 December 2005, in San Jose de Bocay, Jinotega, two brothers playing with UXO, while watched by their family, resulted in an explosion that injured the mother and two brothers, and killed another brother. On 22 December 2005, a man stepped on a mine while collecting firewood in El Cacao, Jinotega.[113]
Casualties continued to be recorded in 2006. As of 25 May, OAS PADCA recorded six new casualties (two killed, four injured). Two of the incidents were caused by UXO (two killed, two injured).
OAS PADCA and other sources acknowledge that it is difficult to determine the exact number of mine and UXO casualties in Nicaragua; it is believed that some incidents in rural areas continue to be unreported. Nicaragua estimates that there have been between 1,000 and 2,000 mine casualties.[114] In 2005, OAS PADCA increased its efforts to identify landmine survivors, and stated that, based on new information, the actual number of landmine survivors may be lower than previously estimated.[115]
As of May 2006, the OAS PADCA IMSMA database had registered a total of 985 mine/UXO casualties since 1980, of which 87 people were killed and 898 injured. The casualties were reported in 821 incidents and 25 demining accidents, of which 662 (78 percent) involved mines and 184 (22 percent) involved UXO. Civilians constituted 946 casualties (82 killed, 864 injured) and demining accidents resulted in 39 casualties (five killed, 34 injured).[116] The database is continuously updated as past incidents are reported.
Children under 12 years accounted for at least 58 casualties (six percent), adolescents aged 12-20 years accounted for 209 casualties (22 percent), and women or young girls accounted for 101 casualties (11 percent). Most mine/UXO casualties have been reported in the northern departments of Nueva Segovia (33 percent or 321 casualties) and Jinotega (26 percent or 257 casualties).[117]
The majority of mine/UXO casualties were engaged in agricultural activities at the time of their incident. Features of most mine survivors in Nicaragua are: living in a rural area; multiple disabilities; agricultural worker; head of a family with many children; does not own a home; low level of education; works in informal activities. A small percentage of survivors receive a pension of $7 to $27 a month.[118]
At the First Review Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Nicaragua was identified as one of 24 States Parties with significant numbers of mine survivors, and “the greatest responsibility to act, but also the greatest needs and expectations for assistance” in providing adequate services for the care, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.[119] Nicaragua, with Norway, was the co-chair of the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration from the First Review Conference in November-December 2004 to the Sixth Meeting of States Parties in November-December 2005. As part of its commitment to the Nairobi Action Plan, Nicaragua presented its victim assistance objectives for 2005-2009 at the Sixth Meeting of States Parties including: develop a strategy to strengthen and continue casualty data collection and integrate it into a nationwide injury surveillance system by 2009; and strengthen national capacity and ensure continuing provision of emergency care, ongoing medical care, physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support and socioeconomic reintegration beyond 2006.[120]
At the Standing Committee meetings in May 2006, Nicaragua presented its progress in achieving the 2005-2009 objectives, but did not include a survivor assistance expert in its delegation. It stated that there were no waiting lists for medical or rehabilitation services, that OAS-funded psychosocial support had benefited 231 registered mine survivors, and a micro-credit pilot project had been set up.[121]
In its Article 7 report submitted in 2006, Nicaragua did not make use of voluntary Form J to report on victim assistance.
In Nicaragua’s urban areas, hospitals have sufficient surgical capacity for emergency care and specialized services are available, but this is not the case in mine-affected areas. It takes on average nine hours to evacuate casualties; evacuation by air can reduce this to two hours. Access to assistive devices is limited. Costs are often prohibitive for mine survivors from rural areas. The CND, with support from the OAS, provides free assistance to mine survivors and access to prosthetic services.[122]
Major providers of mine survivor assistance include OAS PADCA, National Center of Technical Assistance and Orthopedic Elements (Centro Nacional de Ayudas Tecnicas y Elementos Ortoprotésico, CENAPRORTO), Foundation for Rehabilitation Walking Unidos, Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Different Capacities (Capacidades Diferentes, CAPADIFE), Handicap International and several small NGOs.
In 2005, OAS PADCA assisted 205 landmine survivors with 499 prosthetic replacement and repair services, and provided 166 landmine survivors with 949 medical and rehabilitation sessions. From 1997, when the program started, to 11 May 2006, OAS PADCA delivered physical rehabilitation and psychological support through CENAPRORTO to 860 landmine survivors (87 percent of registered survivors). In 2005, funding for the program was provided by the United States, Sweden, Canada and Norway.[123]
CENAPRORTO in Managua is the main provider of physical rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics, and psychological support for people with disabilities, including mine/UXO survivors, who account for 40 percent of amputees assisted. In 2005, CENAPRORTO produced 411 prostheses (40 percent for landmine survivors) and 279 orthoses, and distributed 62 wheelchairs and 124 pairs of crutches.[124]
In 2005, the International Committee of the Red Cross Special Fund for the Disabled (SFD) reimbursed CENAPRORTO for the cost of 92 prostheses and 43 orthoses. The Ministry of Health does not contribute to CENAPRORTO’s operational costs, as the center is financed by income from reimbursement by other organizations.[125] The Nicaraguan Red Cross identifies people in need of services and if necessary, provides transportation to the center.[126]
The CAPADIFE center opened in October 2004 through a partnership between SFD, Walking Unidos and the Polus Center. In 2005, CAPADIFE provided 257 prostheses, 75 orthoses, 82 wheelchairs and 191 crutches to 304 people; 146 amputees, including 29 landmine survivors, received lodging and meals from the center during their treatment. CAPADIFE’s budget for 2005 was $127,000. Funding came from SFD (74 percent), national social services (13 percent), OAS PADCA (five percent), and the balance from other organizations. CAPIDIFE introduced a cost recovery system, but in 2005 only two patients were able to partly reimburse the center.[127]
Walking Unidos, a prosthetic outreach program in León, in western Nicaragua, manufactures and fits prostheses and orthoses, and provides repairs, adjustments and foot replacements; it also provides vocational training. Services are provided free of charge or at a reduced cost. The Walking Unidos medical team includes three prosthetic technicians and two prosthetic and orthotic mechanics. In 2005, Walking Unidos provided 67 new prostheses (three for landmine survivors), 225 orthoses and orthopedic insoles, and repaired 151 prosthetic and orthotic devices (three for landmine survivors). In 2005, the SFD provided funding for 18 prostheses.[128]
The Polus Centre supported Walking Unidos financially; it also supports a Disability Leadership Center in Léon.[129]
Handicap International (HI) works with municipalities, local NGOs and the ministries of health and education to provide medical rehabilitation, physiotherapy and job training to people with disabilities, including landmine survivors.[130]
Services for psychological support and social reintegration are available in Managua, but the economic situation does not allow for services in the rest of the country. Several factors limit opportunities for the socioeconomic reintegration of mine survivors, including low academic levels and limited access to education, limited government and private/public sector awareness about disability and equality issues, and discrimination. The CND-coordinated Integrated Assistance Programme supported economic reintegration of mine survivors at the national level until at least 2006, including the “diagnosis of needs, capacities, abilities, possibilities for income generating activities in the local communities where survivors live, and training.”[131] The program provides micro-credit for small businesses.
Between January 2002 and December 2005, 200 landmine survivors (20.3 percent of registered mine survivors) from 101 communities and 47 municipalities received support through the National Technological Institute-OAS PADCA socioeconomic skills training, including 53 landmine survivors in 2005. The OAS PADCA long-term goal is to provide training and education opportunities for 60 percent of registered landmine survivors and access to micro-enterprise projects for 30 percent. According to OAS PADCA, 75 percent of participants in the first three phases of the training program have started income-generating activities on completion of their training.[132] The program was supported by the United States, Sweden, Canada and Norway in 2005.[133]
In 2005, an OAS PADCA pilot project provided 31 landmine survivors with funds and assistance to start businesses including small grocery, welding and shoemaking shops, a pottery workshop, cattle ranch and corn grinding machines. Support for small businesses run by survivors is said to have been a cost-effective way to support income-generation activities of landmine survivors. In 2006, OAS PADCA will assist 100 landmine survivors with skills training and small business support.[134]
The Sabana Grande Solar Energy Workshop, initiated by the Canadian Falls Brook Centre, and owned and operated by landmine survivors, runs a small, independent solar energy business. The centre also supported survivor assistance in Nicaragua through youth exchange programs and a youth intern program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.[135]
The Joint Commission of Disabled and War Victims for Peace and Development Foundation of Madriz operates a micro-credit program, which includes landmine survivors.[136]
The Planting Hope Education Fund, supported by donations from private citizens and Standing Tall Australia, sponsored the education of 48 impoverished rural children in 2006, including 12 children of mine survivors.[137] Other organizations assisting or representing mine survivors were noted in last year’s Landmine Monitor report.[138]
Nicaragua has legislation and policies to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including landmine survivors. This legislation does not mandate accessibility to buildings for people with disabilities. Government support has been constrained by a lack of resources. People with disabilities face discrimination in accessing healthcare and state services, education and employment. Few projects have been implemented to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities; resources for NGOs run by landmine survivors remain limited. In 2005, the government appointed a special ombudsperson for people with disabilities and carried out a publicity campaign calling for greater integration of people with disabilities.
[1] Law for the Prohibition of Production, Purchase, Sale, Import, Export, Transit, Use and Possession of Antipersonnel Landmines, Law No. 321, published in the Official Gazette on 12 January 2000.
[2] The Article 7 report is dated 28 February 2006, but as of 1 July, this had not appeared on the UN website with a submission date. Nicaragua previously submitted reports on 19 May 2005, 28 April 2004, 31 March 2003, 22 May 2002, 7 May 2001 and 30 September 1999.
[3] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, Technical Secretary, National Demining Commission (Comisión Nacional de Desminado, CND), First Review Conference, Nairobi, 3 December 2004.
[4] Ministry of Defense, “Libro de Defensa de Nicaragua” (“Nicaragua’s Defense Book”), p. 120, www.midef.gob.ni, accessed 12 May 2006.
[5] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 10 May 2006.
[6] This is stated in all of Nicaragua’s Article 7 reports.
[7] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 376.
[8] The 1,021 mines retained are 286 PMN, 300 PMN-2, 240 POMZ-2M, 50 POMZ-2, 95 PP-MiSR-II, 25 OZM-4 and 25 PMFH. Article 7 Report, Form D, 28 February 2006.
[9] Article 7 Report, Form D, 28 February 2006.
[10] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[11] Article 7 Report, Form D, 19 May 2005. This total of 121 appears to include 100 MON-50 mines, 11 MON-100 mines and 10 MON-200 mines, based on previous Article 7 reports.
[12] Organization of American States (OAS), Action Against Antipersonnel Mines Program (Acción Integral Contra las Minas Antipersonal, AICMA), “Portfolio 2005-2006,” Washington DC, p. 36.
[13] Of the 883 mined areas cleared as of 28 February 2006, 378 were around electric towers, 394 along the border, 70 around bridges, 26 around villages, six around radio stations, seven around hydroelectric stations and two around aircraft runways. Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 4.
[14] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005.
[15] A UN report states that a maximum of 2,000 antivehicle mines were laid. UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), “Nicaragua Landmine Situation Assessment Mission Report,” 15 December 1998, p. 6.
[16] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Geneva, 10 May 2006.
[17] UN Mines Action Service (UNMAS), “Nicaragua Landmine Situation Assessment Mission Report,” 15 December 1998, p. 6.
[18] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 3.
[19] Article 7 Report, 28 February 2006, p. 34.
[20] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006.
[21] Article 7 Report, Form C, 28 February 2006.
[22] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee of Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006; telephone interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, 24 May 2006; email from Carlos J. Orozco, National Coordinator, OAS Assistance Program for Demining in Central America (Programa de Apoyo al Desminado en Centroamérica, PADCA), 24 May 2006.
[23] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[24] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 459.
[25] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 4.
[26] Nicaragua’s 2005 Article 7 report states that 558,490 explosive devices were destroyed up to 28 February 2005. Its 2006 Article 7 report states that 573,064 explosive devices were destroyed. Article 7 Reports, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 4, and 19 May 2005, p. 3.
[27] OAS PADCA website, “Casos Reportados Accidentes por Minas/ UXOs - Accidentes en Oper. de Desminado al 11 de Mayo 2006” (“Reported cases of Mine/UXO Accidents – Demining Accidents as of 11 May 2006”), www.oeadesminado.org.ni, accessed 20 May 2006.
[28] OAS PADCA website, “Accidentes por minas o UXOs” (“Mine/UXO Accidents”), www.oeadesminado.org.ni.
[29] Telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 19 May 2006.
[30] Decree 84-97 of 27 November 1998, Official Gazette, no. 236, 5 December 1998.
[31] For details of the CND’s structure, see Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 460.
[32] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Geneva, 9 May 2006.
[33] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, pp. 460-461.
[34] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Geneva, 9 May 2006.
[35] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 460.
[36] PADCA, initiated by the OAS in 1991 at the request of mine-affected countries in Central America, was later incorporated into OAS AICMA in 1998. See OAS AICMA, “Portfolio 2005-2006,” p. 1.
[37] OAS AICMA, “Portfolio 2005-2006,” p. 36; OAS, “Taking Action Against Landmines,” www.oas.org, accessed 20 May 2006.
[38] Telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 19 May 2006; see Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 461.
[39] Telephone interview with Simon Berger, IMSMA Regional Coordinator for Latin America, Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Demining, Managua, 30 May 2006.
[40 ] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[41] Telephone interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, 24 May 2006; email from Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 24 May 2006.
[42] UN, “Country profile: Nicaragua,” www.mineaction.org, accessed 20 May 2006; CND, “Programa de Acción Integral Contra las Minas Antipersonal (PAICMA),” October 2002.
[43] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 3.
[44] The OAS can suggest priorities, but the ultimate plan and priorities are established by the Nicaraguan Army in conjunction with the CND; telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[45] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 3; telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[46] Telephone interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 19 May 2006; telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[47] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 463; telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[48] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 461. In March 2003, Nicaragua reported that mine clearance would be completed in 2005, and not in 2004 as previously estimated; Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 31 March 2003, p. 7. In April 2004, Nicaragua reported that depending on the availability of funding, the completion date for demining operations may be postponed from 2005 to 2006. Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 April 2004, p. 8.
[49] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 19 May 2005, p. 4; see Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 463. Clearance priorities for 2006 include the destruction of 15,391 registered mines from 56 sites in 10 municipalities in Jinotega and Nueva Segovia (including 2,052 mines planned for clearance in 2005). Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006.
[50] Article 7 Report, “Avance y Situación Actual” (“Advances and Current Situation”), 28 February 2006, p. 33; Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006; telephone interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 24 May 2006.
[51] Email from Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 24 May 2006.
[52] Telephone interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 24 May 2006.
[53] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Geneva, 9 May 2006; Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 19 May 2005, p. 10.
[54] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006.
[55] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 10.
[56] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[57] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006.
[58] Ibid.
[59] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[60] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 5.
[61] The OAS has supported the establishment of Fronts 3, 4 and 5, as well as the canine unit and the mobile reaction unit; Fronts 1 and 2 are financed by the Danish government. OAS AICMA, “Portfolio 2005-2006,” p. 35.
[62] Telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[63] Article 7 Report, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 7; telephone interview with Jorge Isaac Gámez Abreu, Chief, MARMINCA, Managua, 26 May 2006.
[64] See OAS PADCA website, www.oeadesminado.org.ni, accessed 13 April 2006.
[65] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006; telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, 19 May 2006.
[66] Ibid.
[67] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Geneva, 9 May 2006, and telephone interview, 24 May 2006.
[68] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 461.
[69] Telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[70] Interview with Col. Spiro Bassi, Nicaraguan Army, Geneva, 17 June 2005.
[71] Telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[72] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006; presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 June 2005. Nicaragua’s Article 7 reports do not provide annual data on mine clearance; they provide a cumulative total of clearance from 1989 to the submission dates.
The 4,425,047 square meters cleared from 1989-February 2006, minus the 4,106,714 square meters cleared from 1989-February 2005, indicates that 318,333 square meters of land were cleared from March 2005 through February 2006. Article 7 Reports, “Introduction,” 28 February 2006, p. 4, and 19 May 2005, p. 3.
[73] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006
[74] The antivehicle mines were destroyed in the departments of Waspán and Jalapa. Email from Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 24 May 2006.
[75] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[76] In March 2003, Nicaragua reported the completion of mine clearance in RAAS; however, unregistered landmines were later found. See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 462.
[77] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[78] Email from Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 24 May 2006.
[79] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006. For details of Nicaragua’s demining machines, see Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 461.
[80] Interview with Col. Rafael Guerra Ibarra, OAS MARMINCA, Managua, 25 April 2005.
[81] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 10 May 2006.
[82] Article 7 Report, 28 February 2006, pp. 4, 35. Presumably, 8,851,764 square meters were declared free of mines as a result of area reduction, and this total does not include the area cleared of mines (4,425,047 square meters).
[83] Interview with Col. Nelson Leonel Bonilla Romero, OAS MARMINCA, Managua, 31 May 2005; telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[84] Accident report provided to the Landmine Monitor by the CND, Managua, 21 March 2006; Haydée Brenes, “Traspaso de mando en lucha contra las minas” (“Transfer of control in struggle against mines”), El Nuevo Diario (Managua), 21 January 2006.
[85] Telephone interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 19 May 2006.
[86] Ibid.
[87] OAS PADCA website, “Casos Reportados Accidentes por Minas/ UXOs - Accidentes en Oper. de Desminado al 11 de Mayo 2006” (“Reported cases of mines/UXO accidents – Demining operation accidents for 11 May 2006”), www.oeadesminado.org.ni, accessed on 20 May 2006. The 39 deminer casualties do not include a June 2002 training accident; see later section Landmine/UXO Casualties.
[88] Previously, UNICEF carried out MRE in Jinotega, OAS PADCA in Nueva Segovia, and Acción Médica Cristiana, OAS PADCA and the Nicaraguan Red Cross in the RAAN. See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, pp. 464-466.
[89] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[90] Ibid; see Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 465.
[91] OAS, “Audiencia Sensibilizada Clasificada por Lugar, Tipo de Actividad y Categoría de Edad PADCA- OEA-Nicaragua, 2001-2006” (“Informed audience classified by location, type of activity and age, OAS-PADCA 2001-2006”), www.oeadesminado.org.ni, accessed 23 June 2006.
[92] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[93] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 22 March 2006.
[94] Article 7 Report, Form I, 28 February 2006.
[95] Email from Andy Wheatley, Regional Mine Action Advisor, ICRC, 19 May 2006.
[96] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Managua, 22 March 2006.
[97] “Comision Nacional De Desminado Recibe Compromiso De Apoyo Del Cantante Juanes” (“CND receives promise of support from singer Juanes”), Ministry of Defense Press Release, 11 November 2005; María José Uriarte, “Juanes haría otro concierto,” La Prensa (Managua), 12 November 2005.
[98] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 466.
[99] Article 7 Report, Form I, 28 February 2006.
[100] Response to Landmine Monitor Questionnaire by Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, received 19 May 2005, and interview, 21 March 2006.
[101] Interview with Dr. Juan Umaña, CND, Geneva, 9 May 2006.
[102] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006; OAS PADCA, “Report 2005,” presented to Landmine Monitor, 21 March 2006.
[103] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 466.
[104] Austria Article 7 Report, Form J, 27 April 2006; email from Alexander Kmentt, Deputy Director, Department for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 27 April 2006. Average exchange rate for 2005: €1 = US$1.2449. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 3 January 2006.
[105] Email from Carly Volkes, DFAIT, 14 June 2006. Average exchange rate for 2005: US$1 = C$1.2115. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 3 January 2006.
[106] Mine Action Investments database; email from Rita Helmich-Olesen, Humanitarian Assistance and NGO Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 31 March 2006. Average exchange rate for 2005: US$1 = DKK 5.9953, used throughout this report. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 3 January 2006.
[107] Sweden Article 7 Report, Form J, 28 February 2006; emails from Sara Brandt-Hansen, Department for Global Security, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, March-May 2006. Average exchange rate for 2005: US$1 = SEK7.4710. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 3 January 2006.
[108] Email from H. Murphey McCloy Jr., Senior Mining Advisor, US Department of State, 22 June 2005. USG Historical Chart containing data for FY 2005, by email from Angela L. Jeffries, Financial Management Specialist, US Department of State, 8 June 2006.
[109] Email from Annette A. Landell-Mills, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2006. Average exchange rate for 2005: US$1 = NOK6.4412. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 3 January 2006.
[110] Unless otherwise stated, all information in this section is taken from reports on the OAS PADCA website, www.oeadesminado.org.ni, accessed on 29 May 2006.
[111] Details of the demining accidents are given earlier in this report.
[112] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 468; Landmine Monitor Report 2004, pp. 629-630.
[113] Luis Eduardo Martínez, “Mina terrestre le amputa pie” (“Landmine amputates leg”), La Prensa (Managua), 23 October 2005; incident report provided to Landmine Monitor by CND, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[114] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 8 May 2006.
[115] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[116] This number does not include a June 2002 incident in which a demining instructor was killed and four others injured during a training exercise. See Landmine Monitor Report 2004, p. 630.
[117] As of 29 May 2006, 985 mine/UXO casualties (including 39 demining casualties) had been recorded in Nueva Segovia (321), Jinotega (257), RAAN (98), Matagalpa (77), RAAS (60), Chinandega (44), Madriz (43), Chontales (27), Estelí (25), Managua (14), León (8), Rio San Juan (7), Masaya (2), Boaco (1) and Rivas (1). The department of Granada has not reported any mine/UXO casualties.
[118] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 468.
[119] UN, “Final Report, First Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction,” Nairobi, 29 November-3 December 2004, APLC/CONF/2004/5, 9 February 2005, p. 33.
[120] “Final Report of the Sixth Meeting of States Parties / Zagreb Progress Report,” Part II, Annex V, “Victim Assistance objectives of the States Parties that have the responsibility for significant numbers of landmine survivors,” Zagreb, 28 November-2 December 2005, pp. 171-176.
[121] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 8 May 2006.
[122] “Final Report of the Sixth Meeting of States Parties / Zagreb Progress Report,” Part II, Annex V, Zagreb, 28 November-2 December 2005, pp. 172-175.
[123] Email from Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 26 May 2006.
[124] ICRC, “Special Fund for the Disabled Annual Report 2005,” Geneva, 10 March 2006, p. 21.
[125] Ibid.
[126] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 470.
[127] ICRC, “Special Fund for the Disabled Annual Report 2005,” Geneva, 10 March 2006, p. 22; response to Landmine Monitor from Guy Nury, Director, CAPADIFE, Managua, 28 February 2006.
[128] ICRC, “Special Fund for the Disabled Annual Report 2005,” Geneva, 10 March 2006, p. 22.
[129] “Disabilities Leadership Center Builds Leadership Capacity,” www.poluscenter.org; see Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 470.
[130] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 470.
[131] “Final Report of the Sixth Meeting of States Parties / Zagreb Progress Report,” Part II, Annex V, Zagreb, 28 November-2 December 2005, p. 176; Landmine Monitor Report 2004, pp. 632-633.
[132] Presentation by Nicaragua, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 8 May 2006; interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006; OAS PADCA, “Report 2005,” provided to Landmine Monitor, Managua, 21 March 2006.
[133] Email from Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, 26 May 2006.
[134] Interview with Carlos J. Orozco, OAS PADCA, Managua, 21 March 2006; OAS PADCA, “Report 2005,” provided to Landmine Monitor, 21 March 2006.
[135] Interview with Marco Antonio Perez, Business Owner, Sabana Grande Workshop, Sabana Grande, 24 March 2006.
[136] See Landmine Monitor Report 2004, pp. 633-634.
[137] Interview with Ada Isabel Diaz, Coordinator, Planting Hope Education Fund, Somoto, 24 March 2006.
[138] See Landmine Monitor Report 2005, p. 471.
[139] US Department of State, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices-2005: Nicaragua,” Washington DC, 8 March 2006; Landmine Monitor Report 2005, pp. 471-472; Landmine Monitor Report 2004, pp. 635-636.