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Iraq

MAG Iraq deminer

MAG's work in Iraq significantly reduces the threat to both resident and transient populations from remnants of conflict, and supports rehabilitation and socio-economic development.

The problem

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).

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.

How MAG is helping

MAG is creating a more secure environment and future for the Iraqi people by reducing risk to life and limb, while freeing up land that can be used for livelihood generation and infrastructure projects.

Currently working in Dahuk, Diyala, Erbil, Kirkuk, Ninewah, and Sulimaniyah governorates, MAG Iraq undertakes demining, clearance, Conventional Weapons Management and Disposal, Community Liaison and Mine Risk Education activities.

See these pages for detailed information on MAG's latest work in Iraq:

Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of conflict, enabling recovery and assisting the development of affected populations.

Beneficiaries

Vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, and agencies seeking to implement humanitarian, reconstruction and development projects all directly benefit from MAG’s work in the country.

MAG hands back cleared land that has previously been denied to its returning residents due to contamination by explosive remnants of conflict, increasing the economic independence of families working in farming and herding.

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MAG would like to thank 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.

January 2008

www.maginternational.org/iraq

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