The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) recently held a certification ceremony for 14 mine action personnel from the Directorate of Mine Action at the Ministry of Health and Environment and nine mine action implementing partners, following their completion of the ‘risk education managerial skills’ workshop to respond to explosive hazard threat in retaken areas in Iraq.
Participants were actively engaged in discussions and group work throughout the tailor-made workshop, which was conducted 22-26 October and covered various tools and techniques, development of new and innovative materials, as well as a report- and proposal-writing session.
“Risk education saves lives and limbs,” said Mr. Robert Thompson, UNMAS Iraq Chief of Operations, on the final day of the workshop, emphasizing that risk education is an effective tool for reaching people at risk, minority groups, and women, girls, boys and men.
Ms. Rana Sherwani, Risk Education Director at Directorate of Mine Action, stated that “the outcome of such training workshops contributes to the development and promotion of the capabilities of mine action actors. The knowledge acquired during the training will allow for better implementation of risk education in the field.”
Bilal Yaseen, a participant from the NGO Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), concluded that “the training improves our knowledge about risk education managerial processes and rules. The attendees showed good participation, which reflects their eagerness to develop their abilities and knowledge further.”
UNMAS appreciates the support of the Governments of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy and the United Kingdom, which have funded this training course.
Participants included the Directorate of Mine Action, Arabian Gulf Mine Action Company, Al-Fahad, Arab Mine Action Consultancy Crew, Baghdad Organization, Bustan, Danish Demining Group, Iraqi Health and Social Care Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross and NPA.
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