UNDP works around the world to restore the quality of life for men, women and children who have been devastated by natural disaster or violent conflict.

Focus on Arab States

New report on landmines in Iraq

Concerns Iraq will not meet mine ban treaty obligations
1 July 2009 - A joint UNICEF-UNDP report, released today with the Iraqi Ministry of Environment, raises concerns that Iraq is unable to meet its obligations under the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty.

Overview of Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War in Iraq (.pdf)

Did you know?

• An estimated 1.6 million people live in danger of landmines in Iraq, one of the world's most heavily mined countries.
  
  
• Iraq acceded to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 2007.
  
  
• Between 1991 and 2006, 50 million cluster submunitions were used in Iraq, leaving behind a large amount of unexploded ordnance.
  
  
• According to a recent survey, 24 percent of mine accident victims in Iraq are below the age of 14. Forty-four percent of victims are their families' primary earners.
  
  
• UNDP supported non-governmental organizations in the clearance of 15 million square meters of land of mines in Iraq in 2008.

Find out more about UNDP in Action in Arab States in our Fast Facts: Arab States(pdf)

Iraq—Kent Paulusson, Senior Mine Action Advisor, UNDP Iraq, discusses the landmine situation in Iraq (streaming audio or mp3)

To learn more about UNDP's work on landmines, click here.