MAG has been operating in Iraq since 1992, and since the most recent conflict our efforts have concentrated on delivering vital services in northern and central areas of the country. Our work significantly reduces the threat to both resident and transient populations, and has supported rehabilitation and socio-economic development initiatives.
To date, MAG has cleared more that one and a half million landmines and items of UXO and freed up several million square metres of land. MAG’s Iraq programme has recently launched a dedicated project to safely remove and destroy small arms and light weapons. Our work acts in support of peace-building initiatives which aim for long-term stability in Iraq and the region.
Currently, we have more than 750 national staff working in the programme. Despite the security constraints, we remain operational in the north and parts of the centre of the country and continue to implement operations. The programme works with local and regional partners in currently unstable areas of central Iraq, to extend the impact of operations and reduce the threat posed by remnants of conflict to vulnerable high-risk communities.
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A deminer lifts the crown from the body of a Valmara mine. |
Partnerships and Coordination
MAG works with the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), located in Baghdad, and the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Authority (IKMAA) and General Directorate of Mine Action (GDMA) in the north. MAG also coordinates closely with UN agencies, local and regional governmental authorities and other organisations involved in humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives throughout the country.
As part of it commitment to national capacity building, MAG has been working in partnership with the Kurdish Ministries of Education and Health to develop a sustainable and independent Mine Risk Education (MRE)-delivery capacity in northern Iraq.
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A MAG Community Liaison Officer gives Mine Risk Education. |
Beneficiaries
Vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, and agencies seeking to implement humanitarian, reconstruction and development projects have all directly benefited from MAG Iraq’s work.
Donor Partnership Opportunities
During the forthcoming year, MAG Iraq will develop its programme in accessible areas throughout northern governorates, and continue to support the building of its national capacity. Through the development of national and international partnerships, the programme also plans to extend its work into the centre of Iraq to assist the communities who are at the highest risk from the most ongoing violence in Iraq.
January 2008
