Introduction
Following the most recent conflict, it was crucial that assessments of dangerous areas took place as soon as possible to allow other relief agencies to move in safely and deliver much needed aid. MAG deployed two senior technical staff to Jerusalem early in January to coordinate and plan with representatives of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) [external site].
In the first 36 hours after the ceasefire, MAG moved in two Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts who carried out risk assessments on five key transportation routes. By quickly declaring them accessible, this allowed a United Nations Rapid Needs Assessment Team to get through and gauge the emergency relief requirements regarding shelter, feeding, medical support, water and sanitation. This information was used to develop the Early Recovery Plan and global appeal for funding and assistance.
Following the initial two weeks emergency, MAG then deployed eight EOD teams to record sub-surface impact data around hospitals and agricultural areas, and created the Risk Assessment process for those conducting rubble clearance as part of their duty of care Occupational Health and Safety planning.
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Twenty-two days of bombardment caused extensive destruction. Top: A MAG technician disarms a bomb. [Photos: MAG Gaza] |
Partnerships and coordination
Working as the implementing partner of United Nations Mine Action Team – Gaza Office (UNMAT – GO), the team started assessments of education and health facilities, plus other infrastructure, as well as responding to reports of unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination.
In total, 45 schools underwent visual search and verification, which meant that they were able to open in time for the school term, and assessment of essential services, such as the flour mill and the waste water treatment plant, allowed repairs to commence.
Partnerships have played an important and ongoing role throughout the year with MAG carrying out risk assessments for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), CHF International and the Norwegian Refugee Council, and UXO safety briefings for CARE International, the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee, Catholic Relief Services, International Committee for the Red Cross and Mercy Corps.
The risk assessments allowed rubble removal to start on 204 buildings, meaning that rebuilding work could begin, resulting in short-term employment and income for 900 local workers.
Emergency response
MAG’s response in Gaza highlights our ability to react quickly and effectively to post-conflict humanitarian emergencies. With donor support MAG had EOD technicians on the ground ready to provide targeted UXO threat assessment and safety briefings, allowing relief work to start rapidly.
Looking ahead, in the forthcoming year MAG will continue to provide support and training to agencies involved in rubble removal of buildings categorised as having a high risk of contamination.
MAG would like to express its thanks to the following donors to its Gaza operations: UK Department for International Development (DFID); United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS); United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
October 2009
