In 2024, Belgium will donate an additional €1.5 million to the United Nations Mine Action Service's (UNMAS) operations in Iraq and Syria, a press release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated on Thursday.
Belgium's financial backing for UNMAS activities in Iraq and Syria has exceeded €11 million since 2019. The country allocated another €1.5 million to UNMAS in October 2023 to help the region tackle the lingering presence of explosive ordnance.
Devastated by foreign intervention, jihadist group ISIS and civil wars, the need for mine clearance in Syria and Iraq remains very high today as they continue to pose a threat to civilians.
Since 2013, the UN estimates that in Syria, an average of six people per day have been killed or injured by explosive ordnance. Following 40 years of conflict, Iraq is also one of the world's most mine-contaminated countries.
🇧🇪🇺🇳 Belgium continues its support to @UNMAS with a contribution of €1.5 million for its activities in 🇮🇶 #Iraq and 🇸🇾 #Syria, where the need for demining is very high.
We stand firm in our commitment to a world free of anti-personnel mines. #MineFreeWorld [1/3]⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RI29Z6KYE8 — 🇧🇪 Belgium MFA (@BelgiumMFA) June 13, 2024
In Iraq, UNMAS aids local demining authorities by boosting their skills and supplying technical assistance. In Syria, meanwhile, the organisation plays a significant role in the coordination of the demining sector.
The Foreign Affairs department says that UNMAS serves as a facilitator, making it possible for other humanitarian actors to safely provide much-needed assistance.
