On International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, UN Concerned for Safety of Civilians Returning to Liberated Areas Contaminated with Explosives, Reaffirms Commitment to Help Free Iraq from the Threat of Mines and Unexploded Remn

The United Nations is deeply worried that their ability to return safely is impeded by widespread contamination of improvised explosive devices (IED) in many newly liberated towns and villages. The United Nations deplores ISIL’s booby-trapping of homes and public buildings, including schools and health clinics, and applauds the brave efforts of Iraqis to clear these devices in accordance with international standards.

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Ján Kubiš, said “the level of IED contamination in newly liberated areas is unparalleled. These devices have killed or injured hundreds of people and are preventing families from returning safely to their homes. On this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to help Iraqis free their country from the threat of mines and other remnants of war and pledge to do everything possible to help educate families about the risks IEDs pose”.