Iraq: surveying and clearing mines

Iraq is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Cities like Fallujah in Anbar province are surrounded by long barrier minefields of home-made mines.

The 2014-2017 conflict with ISIS caused immeasurable damage and forced four million people to flee their homes. Many remained displaced for years, unwilling or unable to return while their homes and villages were contaminated by explosive remnants and improvised devices.

Mohsen and his family were forced to abandon their home when it was badly damaged in the fighting. He has eight children and is worried for their safety. They won’t return until the explosives have been cleared from their backyard.

OUR WORK

HALO was approved to operate in Iraq in May 2018. To date we have employed and trained 150 Iraqi men and women.

Our work was focused in Baiji and Tikrit, where we were clearing buildings and streets so that people could return home and schools can re-open. Our survey teams also recorded and mapped the threats. One of their first jobs was to mark a route that is safe for children to take to school. We are also teaching children and parents about how to stay safe in areas that are littered with explosives.

OUR IMPACT

"My team and colleagues respect my role and seeing a woman working in my position has inspired some of them to recommend other women in their communities to do the same. It is nice to be in a team where women support women, and we encourage ourselves and the girls in our community to chase their dreams."

Safaa, Team Leader, Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Saffa led a team of women and men clearing IEDS and other explosives across Salah al-Din so that families, displaced during the conflict with ISIS could rebuild their homes and lives safely. As a woman in Iraq, her career choice was unusual, but she led the way as our first female member of staff to achieve her Explosive Ordnance Level 3 qualification.