Denmark Supporting De-Mining in Iraq
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Iraq welcomes a generous contribution of DKK 22,000,000 (approximately US$ 3,4 million) from the Government of Denmark. This funding will support mine action efforts assisting the Government of Iraq (GoI) in protecting civilians from the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) and enabling humanitarian, socio-economic, and reconstruction efforts in EO-affected areas.
Iraq remains one of the most EO contaminated countries in the world. According to the national mine action authorities - the Directorate for Mine Action (DMA) and the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) - more than 2,723 square kilometers are contaminated with landmines, cluster munitions, improvised explosive devices, and other types of explosive remnants of war across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. EO poses a major threat to public safety and hinders access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and critical infrastructure.
The new contribution from the Government of Denmark will enable UNMAS Iraq to continue supporting national mine action authorities in building a sustainable and well-coordinated mine action sector. UNMAS remains committed to strengthening the nationalisation of the mine action response by implementing and managing survey and clearance operations, as well as explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) activities, in the most heavily affected and vulnerable areas of Iraq.
" UNMAS Iraq deeply appreciates the generous contribution from the Government of Denmark. The contributions enable us to continue assisting the DMA and IKMAA, as well as Iraqi national operators, in creating a safe environment for all Iraqis. Under Denmark's Peace and Stabilisation Programme 2022-2025, Denmark has contributed approximately US$ 11.5 million. UNMAS looks forward to further cooperation starting from 2026, " said Pehr Lodhammar, UNMAS Chief Mine Action Programme.
Since 2015, the Government of Denmark has contributed over US$ 41 million to the UNMAS Iraq programme, making Denmark one of its most longstanding and committed donors. Denmark's continued support plays a critical role in ensuring progress towards a safer Iraq, where affected communities can rebuild their lives free from the threat of explosive ordnance.
(Source: UNMAS)
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