MAG is creating a more secure environment in Iraq, enabling development and helping people to return home safely.
Internal conflicts, the 1980-88 war with Iran, the 1991 Gulf War and the conflict that began in 2003 have left Iraq as one of the countries worst-affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
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Mine contamination and the extensive delivery of munitions, including cluster bombs, in 2003 resulted in huge numbers of abandoned stockpiles. This led to a significant increase in civilian casualties, frustrated rehabilitation and development efforts and blocked access to land.
A large proportion of the contamination in Iraq comprises Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). The uncontrolled stockpiles of SALW throughout north Iraq are easily accessible to insurgent groups. These groups use the weaponry and extract component parts for improvised explosive devices for use in attacks against local civilians and multinational forces. As well as leading to widespread loss of life, uncontrolled SALW also undermine security and disrupt peace-building efforts, further exacerbating the effects of conflict.
For more on MAG's work in Iraq, please visit:
16 July 2010
MAG thanks the following donors to the Iraq programme: Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State; Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Irish Aid; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Netherlands; Stichting Vluchteling; Marshall Legacy Institute; German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency); UNICEF.
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