Iraq has been subjected to protracted and intense conflict for 25 years and of those countries contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), it is considered one of the worst affected.
The conflict in 2003 led to further landmine contamination and the extensive delivery of munitions, including cluster bombs, resulted in huge numbers of abandoned stockpiles. The contamination in 2003 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.