Explosive contamination continues to affect civilian safety and recovery in many post-conflict environments. Addressing these risks requires sustained international cooperation, long-term funding and operational capability that can be applied consistently over time.

On United Nations Day, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) reflects on nearly a decade of cooperation with UN authorities in support of humanitarian mine action. Through UNfunded programmes, GCS has contributed to the reduction of explosive threats in local communities across Libya, Iraq, South Sudan and Mali, supporting safe access to land, infrastructure and civilian areas.

Clearance in complex humanitarian environments

In northern Iraq, including Mosul, Tal Afar and Sinjar, GCS supported clearance operations in dense urban areas heavily affected by rubble, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. These environments required careful integration of clearance, survey, disposal and quality management to enable civilian return and recovery.

As part of this work, GCS supported the establishment of Iraq's first allfemale demining team, contributing to national capacity building while expanding participation in professional mine action roles.

Long-term impact through partnership

UNsupported projects have enabled clearance activities to be delivered over extended periods, allowing operations to move beyond emergency response toward structured, sustainable risk reduction. This approach has helped communities transition from contamination to safe use of land and infrastructure.

United Nations Day is an opportunity to recognise the role of the UN in coordinating humanitarian mine action and broader peacebuilding efforts, and to acknowledge what sustained international cooperation can achieve over time.

GCS remains committed to continuing this work alongside UN partners, applying technology, field expertise and training to support the shared objective of creating safe environments wherever communities face explosive threats as a result of conflict.