BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 26 (NNN-NINA) – The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), said, Canada has donated about 3.75 million U.S. dollars, to support efforts and activities of the organisation in Iraq.
A statement by UNMAS said, “the presence of explosive hazards, including improvised explosive devices, in areas retaken from the Daesh group, continues to endanger the lives of women, men, boys, and girls, and hinder the return of displaced communities.”
The contribution will “strongly support the promotion of safe, orderly, voluntary, and sustainable return of internally-displaced persons back to their homes,” the statement said.
Moreover, in order to enhance the institutional capacity, the Iraqi government entities will receive comprehensive training and up-to-date tools that are internationally recognised and abide by global standards, it said.
“This paves the way for future self-reliance and equips Iraqis with a well-established system to mitigate the threat posed by explosive hazards,” it added.
The Daesh militants have planted thousands of landmines in areas they once seized. Despite the efforts by the Iraqi security forces, many liberated areas still require exerting more effort to clear the landmines, to guarantee safe return for displaced people to their homes.
According to UN figures, more than 1.5 million Iraqis are still displaced, despite nearly two years after Iraq declared victory over the Daesh group.– NNN-NINA
