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UNMAS addresses the threat posed by explosive hazards in Iraq in through three pillars of work:
1. Explosive Hazard Management
A blended approach, combining national and international commercial companies and NGOs, enables survey and clearance response in areas retaken from Da’esh in direct support of the Government of Iraq and UN humanitarian and stabilization plans. When requested through the UN system, UNMAS deploys assessment teams, followed by specialized teams including: survey, high-risk search, battle area clearance, mechanical assets, and/or debris management.
2. Technical Support
UNMAS supports a nationally led and implemented response. Building on existing capacities, UNMAS’ focus is to provide training and technical advice to the Government of Iraq in various ministries: mine action authorities, Ministry of Interior (police and civil defence), and government operations coordination centres to support the management, regulation and coordination of response to explosive hazards. The “National Strategy and Executive Plan for Mine Action 2017-2021” was launched in December 2017 with support from UNMAS.
3. Risk Education
Coordinated with the UN Protection Cluster and the national authorities, risk education is provided to affected populations and humanitarian workers. Efforts are specifically targeting communities living in, or returning to, retaken areas known or suspected to be contaminated with IEDs and explosive hazards. UNMAS has provided national authorities with management training to improve coordination and management of risk education in Iraq.
FUNDING
UNMAS in Iraq is solely funded bilaterally through contributions to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund. In 2019, UNMAS secured USD 18.1 million in funds. To date, UNMAS in Iraq has received contributions from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand (including in-kind support), Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Sweden (including in-kind support), and the United Kingdom.