The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Improving safety and security in Iraq
With funding from the government of Japan and in cooperation with the government of Iraq, UNOPS helped improve the efficiency of demining efforts in Iraq to reduce the risk of landmines.
Particular focus was given to newly liberated areas in Anbar, Salah Al-Din, Ninewa (Mosul), Makhmur/Erbil and Diyala governorates.
UNOPS provided vehicles, personal protection equipment, specialized equipment for tactical exercises, and landmine and unexploded ordnances detectors, worth a total of $3.2 million.
In addition, more than 60 staff from various government ministries and the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) received training, given in collaboration with the UN Mine Action Service and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, on mine action and on the use of the specialized demining equipment.
“We are grateful to the government of Japan, the government of Iraq and all our partners in this important project,” said Programme Specialist for UNOPS Dara Tell. “We appreciate the opportunity to work together and support efforts to improve security and provide conditions for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the liberated areas.”
“We hope that the Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Mine Action and IKMAA staff trained in this project will undertake demining and related activities effectively and efficiently, so as to contribute to the reestablishment of normal living conditions for the Iraqi people,” said Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of Japan to Iraq Akira Endo.
