Denmark supports explosive hazards management activities in Iraq

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Iraq welcomed a contribution of 14 million DKK (over two million USD) from the Danish government, which will assist the Iraqi government to reduce the threat of explosive ordnance impacting civilians and support the development of a sustainable, well-coordinated national mine action sector, according to a press statement issued by the UNMAS.

The generous contribution from the Danish government will advance UNMAS efforts to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced communities and enable rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts to proceed through the ongoing clearance of explosive ordnance in contaminated areas, the statement mentioned.

Furthermore, this contribution will be used to enhance a nationally led and implemented mine action response, the statement clarified.

This contribution also supports strengthening the governmental mine action coordination mechanisms and improved decision-making, the statement elaborated.

“I am very pleased that Denmark once again has contributed to the important work of UNMAS. Mine action is vital for protection of civilians, as well as being critical in releasing land for productive use and enable returnees to gain a livelihood,” the Danish Ambassador to Iraq, Christian Thorning, said.

Following decades of war and conflict, Iraq is one of the world’s most explosive ordnance-contaminated countries, according to the United Nations.

As of December 2022, there were approximately 2,236 square kilometers of contaminated areas across Iraq. Since 2014, millions of Iraqis have been displaced, and nearly 1.2 million of them remain internally displaced, the United Nations mentioned.