The Government of Italy Provides Additional Contribution to UNMAS in Support of Mine Action in Iraq

Iraq is one of the most EO contaminated countries in the world. According to data from the Iraqi national mine action authorities, a total of over 2.7 square kilometers are still contaminated with landmines, cluster munitions, improvised explosive devices, and other types of explosive remnants of war. EO poses a concern to public safety and restricts access to livelihood opportunities and infrastructure.

The generous contribution from the Government of Italy, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), will enable UNMAS Iraq to continue the support to national mine action operators and the GoI towards building a sustainable and well-coordinated mine action sector in Iraq. UNMAS Iraq works to support a nationalised mine action response and is implementing and managing survey and clearance operations, as well as explosive ordnance risk education activities in the most vulnerable and EO contaminated areas of Iraq.  

Furthermore, through this contribution, UNMAS Iraq will also continue to support GoI national authorities in strengthening the federal response to EO contamination in the areas liberated from ISIL, through technical and advisory support to effectively lead and coordinate the mine action sector. 

“Despite the progress made over the past two decades in mine action, it is crucial to permanently overcome this threat. This initiative, implemented by UNMAS Iraq, represents a further step towards ensuring the necessary security conditions and facilitating returns and reconstruction in the areas most contaminated by explosive ordnance. Italy attaches great importance to this programme and expects a positive influence in the socio-economic, welfare and environmental aspects of the lives of the Iraqi people.” said Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq.

“UNMAS Iraq is grateful for the generous contribution from the Government of Italy and AICS. The additional funding will allow UNMAS to continue to our support of a strong and well -coordinated mine action sector also in 2025. It will also allow UNMAS to continue to support safe and dignified returns of Internally Displaced People.” said Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Iraq Chief Mine Action Programme.