Iraq Victim Assistance September 2018
Introduction
Iraq is one of the most heavily contaminated countries, with extensive numbers of legacy landmines, cluster munitions, Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs), and other unexploded ordnance. Hence, in Iraq the widespread presence of Explosive Hazards is a major protection concern; resulting in severe injuries, disabilities and death; preventing access to land and livelihood opportunities; and severely impeding humanitarian operations, stabilisation, and reconstruction efforts.
Although largely undocumented, the level of contamination by Explosive Hazards and the number of related casualties in Mosul District is known to be of unprecedented scale. This paper draws on data gathered by Handicap International (HI) on explosive hazard incidents and related casualties that happened after Mosul was retaken, and demonstrates the dire need for scaling-up risk education, demining and victim assistance activities in Iraq.