Lost Limbs and Livelihoods

2019

Research Associate, University of Glasgow

Working alongside the HALO Trust in Myanmar, under the leadership of Dr. Brian Barrett (PI), this project aimed to understand the challenges faced by the HALO Trust's Mine Risk Educators in mitigating the impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance on local communities. A key aspect of our research was to critically examine the HALO Trust's role within the wider military-industrial ecosystem, especially through the prism of geoviolence.

In my role, I focused on developing a critical perspective on humanitarian mine action. This involved not only understanding the direct impacts of landmines but also delving into the broader socio-economic and environmental consequences. We aimed to tackle the complex ethical and geopolitical aspects of this issue, including how organizations like the HALO Trust navigate their operational realities within a system marked by sustained environmental and social injustices. A significant part of this project was integrating satellite imagery with eyewitness accounts, providing a comprehensive view of the multifaceted nature of geoviolence and its implications for communities in Myanmar. The goal was to bring a nuanced understanding of the interplay between humanitarian action, military involvement, and the long-term repercussions for affected populations.