18/05/2026
On the sidelines of the 29th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors ( -UN29) in Geneva, Switzerland, -Humanitaire met with the Iraqi Directorate of Mine Action ( ) delegation, led by Dr. Iktifa Al-Hasnawi, to exchange on the MIRATH project and its objectives in , southern .
At the heart of MIRATH – Mesopotamia’s Initiative for Rehabilitating Archaeological Tourism and Heritage – lies a strong commitment to supporting national leadership, strengthening cooperation, and reinforcing existing capacities wherever possible. This reflects HAMAP’s core approach: acting in support of national actors and their priorities.
Civil Defense EOD teams in Dhi Qar continue to carry out essential work in clearing explosive contamination, protecting communities, and securing land across the country. The MIRATH project was designed as a direct contribution to these national efforts, by strengthening the operational capacities of Civil Defense EOD teams through training, equipment, and technical expertise.
Beyond safety, MIRATH also carries a deeper significance. By enabling the safe clearance of sites such as , one of humanity’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project helps preserve Iraq’s cultural identity and opens new perspectives for heritage tourism in southern Iraq.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.