Recovery in post-conflict environments depends on more than shortterm intervention. In areas affected by mass displacement and violence, sustained clearance of explosive hazards is a prerequisite for rebuilding communities, restoring trust and enabling long-term stability.

In this context, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) continues to support long-term mine action efforts in Sinjar, northern Iraq, building on several years of clearance operations carried out in cooperation with international partners and local stakeholders.

Clearance as the foundation for recovery

Following the 2014 atrocities in Sinjar, large areas were left contaminated by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, preventing displaced families from returning safely. GCS became active in the region as part of broader humanitarian and stabilisation efforts, working alongside international organisations and national authorities to reduce explosive risk.

Through sustained clearance operations over the past three years, supported by Germany and other international donors, GCS has contributed technical expertise, operational capacity and training to enable land to be released safely and returned to civilian use.

These efforts are closely aligned with local initiatives aimed at rebuilding social cohesion and restoring community life, including the work of organisations focused on reconciliation and coexistence in Sinjar.

Partnership and international engagement

GCS's engagement in Iraq reflects a broader understanding shared by international partners: that clearance is not an isolated technical task, but a necessary first step in post-conflict rehabilitation. Without safe access to land, homes and infrastructure, reconstruction and reconciliation cannot take place.

Germany has been actively engaged in supporting stabilisation in Iraq through diplomatic, humanitarian and security instruments. Earlier in 2023, Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Sinjar and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to rebuilding the region and supporting affected communities.

Dialogue with policymakers and international stakeholders remains important to ensure that mine action efforts continue to receive the attention and resources required, particularly as global crises place increasing pressure on post-conflict funding.

Long-Term commitment amid competing crises

As conflicts and humanitarian emergencies expand elsewhere, resources for post-conflict recovery are increasingly stretched. This makes sustained, resultsdriven projects all the more critical.

GCS continues to advocate for long-term clearance programmes that combine technical capability, trained local personnel and international cooperation. Such programmes provide a safe foundation for communities to rebuild, restore livelihoods and begin healing after prolonged violence.

By maintaining engagement in Iraq and supporting partners working at community level, GCS contributes to ensuring that explosive hazard mitigation remains central to recovery efforts in Sinjar and other affected areas.