In Iraq on 4 April, HAMAP-Humanitaire, alongside its partner Shareteah Humanitarian Organization (SHO), marked the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
SHO had invited the local and international NGOs working in the region, along with the local community, to present the main objectives of the Safer Sinjar project: identifying and removing explosive remnants of war in the region, and so creating a safer environment for the people who live there.
The durability of mine action programmes is essential to the long-term safety of affected communities. One of the key factors in that durability is building the technical capacity of local communities, which ensures that the necessary skills and knowledge remain in the region even after international organisations have left. Participants were told that HAMAP-Humanitaire has recognised the importance of building local capacity and has made it a priority in its mine action programmes.
During the event, participants were introduced to the capacity-building training programmes run by HAMAP-Humanitaire's operations management adviser. These programmes were designed to build the local partner's capacity. The training covered explosive ordnance disposal and improvised explosive device disposal. Such training is essential for those involved in mine action, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to remove explosive hazards effectively and safely. The importance of integrating a gender dimension into mine action programmes was also underlined.
The team leader then presented various methods used for mine risk education, such as puppet shows, virtual reality, the distribution of information, education and communication materials, and door-to-door work within the community.
He also stressed that children are at the heart of awareness activities. Children are often the most vulnerable to accidents involving explosive ordnance, because they do not always fully understand the risks these devices carry. He also underlined the importance of using innovative approaches.
The last part of the event was devoted to the clearance team's work. SHO's assistant operations manager discussed the importance of coordination between SHO, HAMAP-Humanitaire and the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) in managing all the clearance activities of the Safer Sinjar project. This coordination ensures that clearance work is carried out systematically and effectively, with all relevant stakeholders involved.
The clearance team, made up of qualified professionals, then demonstrated the techniques and tools used in clearance work. They also explained the importance of following operating procedures and safety protocols during clearance in order to avoid accidents and guarantee the safety of everyone involved. Participants were able to watch the clearance team at work and to ask questions about the clearance process and the challenges the team faces.
