UNMAS welcomes a new funding contribution from the Government of Belgium in support of the Iraqi mine action sector

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its renewed financial support to UNMAS in Iraq. This contribution strengthens joint efforts with the Government of Iraq and partners to safeguard civilians from explosive ordnance (EO) and to ensure safe and sustained access to land and essential services for communities affected by the legacy of conflict.
Iraq remains among the most heavily affected countries by EO, with humanitarian consequences that place women, men, girls and boys at continued risk and limit access to agricultural land and essential infrastructure. An estimated of 2,583 square kilometers of land are still suspected to be contaminated after more than forty years of successive conflicts.
Belgium’s contribution, alongside ongoing multi-donor support, will enable UNMAS Iraq to strengthen its technical and advisory cooperation with national mine action authorities and operational partners. It will also support the continuation of survey and clearance activities and advance land-release efforts, while sustaining risk-education initiatives that help communities understand and avoid the dangers posed by these indiscriminate weapons.
On this occasion, the Ambassador of Belgium to Jordan and Iraq commented “Belgium’s continued support to UNMAS in Iraq is testament to the latter’s crucial work and to the success of the partnership. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, contamination by explosives ordnance remains a major obstacle to the safe return of displaced Iraqis and a hindrance to social and economic development. Belgium welcomes the increased emphasis placed by UNMAS on strengthening the capacities of national demining actors.”
“Belgium’s long-standing support remains central to Iraq’s progress under its APMBC obligations. As the country moves forward with long-term development, reaffirming the commitment to protect civilians from the threats posed by EO and to establish safe conditions for reconstruction is essential. We are sincerely grateful to the Government of Belgium for its continued support.” said Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Iraq Chief Mine Action Programme.