Security

Germany donates $5.7 million to support mine clearance in Iraq

“The conflict with ISIS in Iraq has resulted in complex and extensive explosive ordnance contamination and displaced 5.8 million people since 2014.”

Dler S. Mohammed 2022/02/21 15:18

A view of 120mm projectiles recovered by the Global Clearance Solutions private de-mining company in an area near the village of Hassan-Jalad, north of Mosul city. (Photo: Zaid al-Obeidi/AFP)

Iraq demining Sinjar German Embassy to Iraq UNMAS

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Iraq welcomed Germany’s contribution of an additional $5.7 million to assist its efforts to remove mines and explosives from residential areas and enable displaced people to return to their homes safely.

“This contribution adds to a long-standing partnership between UNMAS and Germany to promote mine action in Iraq, advancing peacebuilding, stabilization, and development, particularly in areas formally occupied by ISIL (ISIS),” UNMAS said in a press release.

“The support from Germany will significantly enhance UNMAS efforts towards durable solutions,” said Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Iraq Chief Mine Action Program. “Residential area clearance will support safe returns for the many internally displaced persons that have not yet been able to return home, many who have cited booby-trapped residences as one of the primary reasons curtailing their return.”

ISIS planted thousands of mines and improvised explosive devices in Iraq. Many of these lethal devices still haven’t been found and disarmed, making it difficult and even perilous for displaced Iraqis to return and resettle in their homes.

“Speaking to affected communities, I understood how much it means for them to be able to live their lives without the fear of explosive ordnance,” said Peter Felten, Chargé d’Affaires at the German Embassy Baghdad, following the German contribution.

“It is obvious that only when the deadly remnants of war are removed can life return to normal,” he added. “Explosive ordnance contamination is particularly heavy in Sinjar, which is why the people there consider UNMAS residential clearance in that area all the more important.”

Felten also said that Germany is “grateful for the courageous and dedicated work of the demining teams and pleased to support their efforts because we want to contribute to the safe return of communities, including Yazidis, to their homes.”

According to UNMAS, “the conflict with ISIS in Iraq has resulted in complex and extensive explosive ordnance contamination and displaced 5.8 million people since 2014.”

“While the majority have returned, explosive ordnance continues to present a significant risk for individuals returning to their communities,” it said.