Baghdad – INA

Ministry of Environment on Thursday announced the preparation of an integrated national strategic plan to address the issue of landmines and war remnants using modern technologies, noting coordination with international and local bodies to accelerate demining operations across the country.

Deputy Minister and head of the mines affairs file, Iktifa Al-Hassani, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the Ministry, represented by the Department of Mine Affairs, has implemented a wide range of technical and operational measures in response to directives from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers concerning the management of risks posed by landmines and war remnants, particularly in provinces affected by military operations and armed conflicts in recent years.

She said these measures include the preparation of a comprehensive national strategic plan based on humanitarian and development priorities, with a focus on restoring life to affected areas and ensuring the safe return of residents.

Al-Hassani added that the Ministry has also conducted field surveys to determine the scale and type of contamination, and established precise databases of mine-contaminated areas and unexploded ordnance in order to facilitate clearance operations and direct efforts according to risk levels and population density. She noted coordination with local governments and relevant ministries to unify national efforts and overcome administrative and logistical obstacles.

She explained that among the key steps is strengthening the capacity of national demining teams through training and qualification programs, as well as the use of modern technologies. She also referred to Iraq’s continued implementation of its international obligations under the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines (APLC) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), aimed at reducing the humanitarian, economic, and environmental impacts of such remnants.

Regarding risk reduction for civilians in affected areas, Al-Hassani said the Department of Mine Affairs operates under a multi-track strategy based on protecting citizens and minimizing human and material losses caused by mines and explosive remnants of war.

She explained that work begins with non-technical surveys of suspected contaminated areas through information gathering from local residents, security agencies, and local authorities, in addition to the historical background of each area. Specialized engineering teams are then deployed to conduct technical surveys and clearance operations using approved equipment and safety procedures.

She noted that warning signs are placed around hazardous areas to prevent civilian access until clearance is completed.

The department also implements community awareness programs targeting all age groups, particularly children, students, farmers, and shepherds, who are most exposed to risks. These programs include field lectures, distribution of awareness materials, and the use of local media to explain how to identify suspicious objects and report them.

She added that mine clearance contributes to social and economic stability by returning agricultural land to use, securing infrastructure projects, and enabling displaced families to return safely to their areas.

Al-Hassani affirmed that the Ministry places mine risk awareness among its top priorities, emphasizing long-term awareness campaigns in cooperation with the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Youth and Sports, as well as civil society organizations.

She noted that these plans include expanding media campaigns across television, radio, and social media platforms, producing simplified awareness materials for different age and cultural groups, and developing school curricula and activities focused on safety and handling suspicious objects.

She further explained plans to train local teams and volunteers in rural and remote areas to serve as awareness ambassadors within their communities, in addition to organizing field events and awareness exhibitions in affected provinces in cooperation with international organizations and local partners.

On coordination with international and local bodies, Al-Hassani said the Ministry is strengthening cooperation with various entities to support mine clearance efforts, given the technical and financial requirements of this sector. She highlighted cooperation with the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), as well as international humanitarian organizations and specialized clearance companies.

She added that this cooperation includes technical support, training of national personnel, provision of modern detection and clearance equipment, and exchange of expertise in contaminated area management and risk assessment.

She noted coordination with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, Health, and Migration and Displacement, as well as the Popular Mobilization Forces, local governments, and security agencies to facilitate field operations and ensure safety. Cooperation is also ongoing with civil society organizations and volunteer teams in awareness campaigns and reporting contaminated areas.

She concluded that these efforts are part of a national vision aimed at accelerating demining operations, reducing human losses, and supporting development and reconstruction in affected areas, in order to achieve a safer and more stable environment for citizens.