A key part of MAG's work is to help minimize the risks for people living, working and traveling through areas contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, until clearance teams can remove the threat.
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Delivering Mine Risk Education to a shepherd in Qala Yahodi. |
The village of Qala Yahodi, close to the border with Iran in Diyala governorate, lives with the threat of death or injury on a daily basis.
Agricultural land remains unused due to the presence of UXO and landmines. In late 2006, a shepherd was killed in a landmine accident while grazing in the area, so many locals approach the land with great caution.
To minimize the risks, MAG Iraq Community Liaison teams deliver Mine Risk Education (MRE) to villagers in Qala Yahodi.
Targeting different audiences including students, shepherds and women, informational sessions teach locals how to identify commonly found remnants of conflict and how to report a dangerous item.
"We didn't know what these things were, but now that we received the MRE we have a better knowledge about these items, and we know what to do when we see something suspicious" said Mr. Nariman, a local shepherd.
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A group of women attend an MRE session. [Photos: MAG Iraq] |
Iraq has experienced intense conflict for over 25 years, and is considered one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world, with landmines and UXO littering much of the landscape. The conflict in 2003 led to further contamination, resulting in large numbers of unsecured and abandoned weapons.
Raising awareness of the dangers amongst children and other vulnerable groups is essential, and this work remains a high priority of MAG in ensuring civilian safety.
Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to lessen the threat of death and injury for communities.