Red Cross: Iraq has cleared two-thirds of the areas contaminated with mines and war remnants

On Thursday, the International Committee of the Red Cross praised the work of the Iraqi government in the file of removing mines and war remnants, stressing that it contributed, in cooperation with the committee and other international bodies, to clearing two-thirds of those areas, noting at the same time the extent of bilateral cooperation in this file and the services it provides.

The official spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, Heba Adnan, said in a statement reported by the official news agency, and seen by Al-Iqtisad News, that “among the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Iraq is the file of mines and war remnants, awareness and assistance to victims, and it comes from the standpoint of its humanitarian and constructive work.” The Geneva Conventions and their provisions, as well as its membership in international agreements on the clearance of mines, war remnants, and cluster bombs.

She added, "In the past, at the beginning of work on the weapons contamination file in Iraq, the International Committee had a technical team working to remove mines and war remnants in cooperation with the Iraqi authorities, while holding war remnants awareness sessions for civilians in the contaminated areas."

She added, "The work of the International Committee at the present time is focused on building and developing the capabilities of mine personnel in national authorities for an effective response to combating weapons contamination, as well as spreading awareness of the dangers of explosive ordnance to people most affected by the presence of weapons contamination, to reduce their exposure to risks and help people." “Understand the risks posed by unexploded weapons and ordnance.”

Regarding the size of the area contaminated with weapons and war remnants in Iraq, Adnan stated that “the total size of the area contaminated with weapons and war remnants in Iraq after 2033 amounted to the equivalent of more than 6,000 km2, and up to two-thirds of it was cleared thanks to the efforts of the Iraqi government in cooperation with the Red Cross and other international bodies.” ". 
She pointed out that "the remaining contaminated area is estimated at 2,100 km2," indicating that "Basra Governorate is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world, with the pollution rate reaching 1,200 km2. This consists of landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war, which are referred to as "Mostly referred to as old minefields and pollution."

Adnan emphasized that “the International Committee helps thousands of people with disabilities by supporting physical rehabilitation centers in Iraq, in addition to that it also runs the largest physical rehabilitation center in Iraq located in Erbil,” indicating that “the new center has contributed to improving people’s access.” People with physical disabilities from the Kurdistan region of Iraq and neighboring provinces.”

She added, "The center serves more than 5,000 people annually, including 639 victims of mines and explosive remnants of war."

She indicated, "At the beginning of the year 2024, a total number of 18,239 people with disabilities were registered in the Erbil Physical Rehabilitation Center of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Erbil, as 60% of the amputation injuries in the Erbil Center occurred as a result of exposure to war remnants, specifically mines."

She pointed out that "the areas that witnessed conflicts and the presence of terrorist groups, as well as wars, are considered among the areas most polluted with war remnants, such as Mosul and Basra, including buffer minefields along Iraq's borders with Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

She stressed, “The presence of war remnants hinders the reconstruction of previously destroyed infrastructure, residential areas, fertile lands, etc. Plans and initiatives aimed at helping people return to their places of origin and surveying and removing landmines and explosive remnants of war must be included as a necessary condition for the safe and dignified return of the displaced.” internally".

The committee spokesperson stated, “The International Committee is working to raise awareness of the dangers of explosive ordnance for people most affected by the presence of weapons contamination to reduce their exposure to risks and help people understand the dangers posed by weapons. In 2023, nearly 6,000 people were supported in at-risk communities.” Or those affected through direct awareness sessions on risks and safe behaviour. In addition, the ICRC provides the necessary materials to ensure that appropriate signs are placed on dangerous areas."

“In 2023, 1,200 warning signs and 35 awareness billboards were installed to raise awareness about gun contamination and safer behavior practices,” she added.

She added, "The International Committee is also implementing activities aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of explosives among children in schools and local communities in areas previously affected by the conflict in Iraq in cooperation with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society," stressing, "The International Committee actively participates in annual campaigns to raise Level of awareness about weapons contamination in Iraq. 

She explained, "These campaigns include cooperation with the media to spread awareness on a large scale."