Advancing Mine Clearance in Iraqi Kurdistan with Slovenia’s Support

19/12/2024

ITF and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs reviewed progress in mine action initiatives in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, highlighting significant achievements and the importance of joined efforts.

Last week, ITF, together with representatives from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA), conducted a joint monitoring visit to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This visit provided an important opportunity to review the progress achieved through Slovenia’s financial support in advancing mine clearance efforts in the region since 2022.

From July 2022 to October 2024, over 2,000,000 square meters of land were cleared across four provinces. These operations resulted in the destruction of 5,145 anti-personnel landmines and 2,978 unexploded ordnance (UXO), significantly improving safety for local communities.

During the visit, ITF and MFEA representatives, Amb. Lea Stančič, Head of the Department for the Implementation of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid at the MFEA, and Ms. Katja Žvan-Elliott, DPhil (Oxon), representative of the Department for the Implementation of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid at the MFEA, were received by Mr. Jabbar Mustafa, Head of the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA). He expressed gratitude to Slovenia for its ongoing support and highlighted the achievements made possible by this partnership. Amb. Stančič emphasized the positive results of the demining efforts observed during the visit and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting these critical activities.

The group also met with Mr. Falah Hassan, Head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of Non-Governmental Organizations. Discussions focused on the importance of international support and the role of humanitarian organizations in the region. Additionally, the delegation visited the Citadel of Erbil, a historic site under restoration, symbolizing the potential for development in a safer environment.

In Sulaymaniya Province, the group visited the Mahmood Khan minefield, which covers more than 130,000 square meters, and where active demining activities are ongoing. About a fifth of the site has already been cleared by IKMAA, but the varied topography—including hills, rocky patches, and thick undergrowth—poses significant challenges to the clearance efforts. These conditions underscore the complexity of the task. Despite these challenges, the dedication of the demining teams remains evident, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration between ITF, IKMAA, and local partners, supported by Slovenia.

The visit concluded in the Mergasur District of Erbil Province with the handover of seven cleared minefields in the combined amount of 186,887 square meters to the local communities and landowners. The handover was conducted jointly by representatives of the Slovenian MFEA and ITF with the Head of IKMAA and Mr. Ali Abdulrahman, the General Manager of Erbil Mine Action Center, which underscores the value of this last step in the demining process. 481 mines and UXO were found and removed from these areas, which are now again safe for use and can support agriculture, housing, and tourism, creating new opportunities for development.

Monitoring visits with donors and supporters are essential for building trust and ensuring transparency. They allow donors to see firsthand how their contributions are being used, reinforcing confidence in the impact of their support.

ITF would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Slovenian MFEA for entrusting us with the resources and recognizing the importance of these efforts. We are thankful to IKMAA as our local partner for their expertise and commitment, and to the local communities for their cooperation. These collective efforts underline the impact of partnerships and shared purpose in addressing the legacy of landmines and contributing to a safer future.