Partnership between ITF and Kurdistan Region of Iraq Continues
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has long faced significant challenges due to the presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) from conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and clashes with ISIS. With around 1,184 square kilometers of land remaining contaminated, this contamination endangers civilians, disrupts daily life, and hinders economic development.
Iraq, a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty since 2008 and the Convention on Cluster Munitions since 2013, is committed to prohibiting the use and clearing of these munitions. However, the widespread contamination requires substantial international support for effective clearance and victim assistance.
The Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) has been the leading actor in the Region addressing this issue, as it has coordinated efforts in mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance since their establishment. Their work, in cooperation with international and local organizations, has been instrumental in mitigating the dangers posed by landmines and ERWs.
Since 2022, ITF has been working together with IKMAA to further strengthen demining efforts in the region, with financial support from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFEA Slovenia). This partnership has led to the removal of thousands of mines and ERWs and the release of tens of thousands square meters of land, significantly reducing the threat to local communities and ensuring their safety and well-being.
Mr. Jabbar Mustafa Rasool, Head of IKMAA, and Mr. Ali Miran, Director General of Technical Affairs of IKMAA, recently visited Slovenia and signed an agreement formalizing the extension of the support for IKMAA’s demining teams through 2024 and 2025. They expressed gratitude for Slovenia's steadfast support and reinforced successful ongoing partnership with ITF.
Additionally, the IKMAA representatives along with ITF, were received at the Office of the President of the Republic of Slovenia by Ms. Miriam Možgan, Foreign Policy Adviser to President Nataša Pirc Musar, and at MFEA Slovenia by Ms. Katja Žvan-Elliott from the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, and Mr. Gregor Kozovinc from the Directorate for Political Affairs. These meetings provided an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact of the partnership and to discuss the future of joint efforts in addressing the needs in the Region.
Despite considerable progress, large areas in the Kurdistan Region remain contaminated, requiring ongoing international support and assistance. Continuous efforts are needed to clear affected areas, educate the population about the risks, and provide assistance to survivors. The sustained partnership between IKMAA, ITF, and MFEA Slovenia remains crucial in securing a safer and more prosperous future for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.