Belgium gives €1.35 million to UN mine clearance in Iraq and Syria

Belgium contributed €1.35 million last year to mine clearance work by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Iraq and Syria, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday.

Since 2019, Belgium has invested more than €13 million in mine action projects in the two countries.

After years of heavy conflict, Iraq and Syria remain contaminated with landmines and other explosive remnants of war. These pose a serious threat to civilians. They also block access to roads, farmland and water sources, which is harming food security, livelihoods and economic recovery. As a result, people are displaced and rebuilding efforts are delayed. Clearance and medical care also bring high costs.

Foreign minister Maxime Prevot said demining does more than restore physical safety. “It gives communities space to breathe, grow and regain their dignity. When fields can be farmed again, children can safely return to school and local economies come back to life, demining lays the foundation for real reconstruction and sustainable development,” he said in a statement.

Belgium also welcomed UNMAS efforts to promote gender equality in both countries, including deploying female deminers and involving women in decision-making. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said this helps build inclusive and resilient communities.

Belgium has supported UNMAS demining programmes in Iraq and Syria since 2019.

^{A deminer in Syria © DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP}