Iraq

Land release edged up in 2024 as a result of a big increase in cancellation through survey in Federal Iraq, but the amount
of clearance dropped sharply. The Directorate for Mine Action (DMA)’s rapid turnover of management continued with the appointment of a new director in February 2025, also on a temporary basis. The DMA halted plans to upgrade its Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database to Core but then reversed the decision. The Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) launched a new, tailor-made data management system in June 2024 after two years’ preparation.

• The Iraqi government should provide the DMA with the legal authority, funding, and equipment to discharge its responsibilities as the national mine action authority (NMAA) and stabilise management.

• The Iraqi government and NMAA should provide clarity on national funding available for mine action and how the funds are allocated.

• The DMA should seek urgently to strengthen information management in the national programme by enhancing human capacity, modernising data-entry processes, updating the IMSMA database, and ensuring operators have access to up-to-date information required for planning.

• The DMA should consistently apply procedures for formal handover of cleared land to ensure its release to communities.

• The DMA should strengthen coordination of mine action through regular and substantive dialogue with all stakeholders, including donors.

• The DMA should release comprehensive annual data on the progress of survey and clearance disaggregated by operator, including State organisations, commercial companies, and NGOs.

• The DMA should streamline issuance of task orders to eliminate cumbersome procedures and lengthy delays obstructing efficient use of survey and clearance resources.

Click here to download the "Clearing the Mines 2025" report for Iraq.