Iraq
Problem statement
Iraq is one of the most heavily ERW-contaminated countries in the world following decades of wars, including the 1980–1988 war with Iran, and the 1991 Gulf War.
The heavy use of mines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and particularly improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a key concern in Iraq nowadays as it poses an unprecedented hazard to the Iraqi security forces and to the safe resettlement of estimated several million people displaced by conflict. The presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has additionally exacerbated legacy contamination with thousands of explosive devices targeting innocent men, women and children. Figures on the extent of mine contamination at the end of 2017 by the Directorate for Mine Action (DMA) and Iraq Kurdistan Mine Action Authority (IKMAA) reported massive contamination on an area of 1,219 square kilometers of antipersonnel mine contamination and an identified IED contamination of 185 square kilometers. Explosive hazards additionally prevent the delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations, obstruct the functionality of basic public infrastructure, as well stabilization and reconstruction efforts in the long-term.
What we do
Clearance of landmines and ERW
As of 2020, ITF is registered as a non-profit organization with the Kurdistan Regional Government. Currently, ITF is in the process of formalizing cooperation both with DMA and IKMAA through respective MoUs in order to be able to secure funds for programs enabling explosive hazards management in areas with legacy contamination or ISIS liberated areas of Iraq. ITF aims to work hand-in-hand with the local authorities to support the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq, free from constraints posed by (improvised) mines and other explosive hazards.
For more information on ITF’s past activities in Iraq, we welcome you to consult our Annual Reports, while for the plans in the coming year please consider our Portfolio of Projects or get in touch with us.