The Permanent Representative of Republic of Iraq in Geneva Chairs Side Event on National Challenges to Mine Action in Iraq

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq in Geneva , Ambassador Mr. Hussein Mahmoud Al-Khatib headed the side event titled: “Local solutions to national challenges: practical models and support for national capabilities in Iraq” organized by the Ministry of Health and Environment / Mine Affairs Department, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and the HALO Trust at the Palais des Nations United Nations in Geneva on the sidelines of the meeting of directors of national mine action programs.

The Permanent Representative indicated that the battles with Da’esh terrorist gangs led to the displacement of more than 5.8 million people between 2014 and 2017, in addition to the great pollution these cities have been exposed to from the mines and explosive devices planted by these terrorist gangs, and also indicated that about 4.5 million displaced people have returned to their homes, and the government is working with the support of the international community to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of the remaining one million displaced people.

The Permanent Representative also emphasized that the problem of explosive hazards in the liberated areas is complex, and exceeds the capabilities and resources of Iraq, indicating that Iraq prioritizes eliminating explosive as the first and basic step before undertaking any rehabilitation or rebuilding activities in infrastructure and residential buildings.