Erbil, 6 April 2026 – Following the successful conclusion of the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) photo exhibition in Erbil, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Iraq highlighted the critical link between land clearance and regional stability. Held in observance of the International Day Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the event, organized with the support of UNMAS, showcased the resilience of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) in overcoming the legacy of explosive ordnance.
During the event, Ms. Sumer Sulaiman, Officer in Charge Chief Mine Action Programme underscored that while the displays represent progress, the current geopolitical instability across the region serves as a stark reminder that explosive hazards are not merely a "legacy" issue, but a recurring humanitarian tragedy.
"The work of IKMAA and UNMAS provides a rare and vital constant," stated Ms. Sulaiman. "We are making the ground beneath our feet safe, no matter what happens beyond the horizon."
Amid a challenging global funding landscape and emerging international crises, UNMAS emphasized that mine action in Iraq must remain a priority on the international agenda to avoid risking the hard-won gains achieved over the last decade.
A key highlight of the event was the commitment of UNMAS Iraq to support IKMAA in strengthening sustainable national Mine Action structures. Nationally led mine action is sustainable mine action.
This contribution is framed as an "investment in autonomy," designed to provide IKMAA with the operational independence needed to sustain clearance operations in the most affected and challenging areas of the region and that is a success story.
Reflecting on the UNMAS 2026 theme, "Invest in Peace. Invest in Mine Action.," the event reinforced that clearing land is the literal foundation of reconstruction. By removing explosive hazards, the partnership is directly enabling safe land restoration for agriculture, infrastructure and livelihood.
UNMAS reaffirmed its commitment to working side-by-side with the national mine action authorities through the advocacy of continued support to mine action, the enhancement of National Mine Action Standards and specialized technical training for national staff to tackle complex contamination, including legacy minefields and improvised devices.
"Mine action is the literal foundation upon which peace is built,” the statement concluded. “Without safe ground, there is no stability."
Contact
Sumar Sulaiman, UNMAS OiC Chief Mine Action Programme, Iraq sumers@unops.org
Lee Woodyear, UNMAS Communications, woodyear@un.org
