Iraq

Survey identified 31km² of previously unrecorded cluster munition-contaminated area in 2024, more than double the total area released through survey and clearance. Operator capacity dropped as a result of donor funding cuts that forced Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of two international non-governmental organisations tackling cluster munition remnants (CMR), to halt operations at the end of July 2024 and close DRC’s programme. The Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) acknowledged that Iraq will not meet its 2028 Article 4 clearance deadline and will need to seek another extension.

• The Iraqi government should provide the DMA with the legal authority, funding, human resources, and training to strengthen its effectiveness as the national mine action authority.

• The government should stabilise leadership of the DMA to facilitate continuity of policy and consistency in its implementation, including in the issuance of task orders.

• The government should increase national financial funding for mine action to offset declining international donor support and provide greater transparency in its allocation and use of resources.

• The DMA should accelerate action to upgrade and update its Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database and the resources supporting information management.

Click here to download the full "Clearing Cluster Munition Remnants 2025" report for Iraq.