Iraq’s Lingering Conflict: The “Silent Victim” of Environmental Degradation
Years after the cessation of active military operations, the scars of conflict continue to define Iraq’s landscape—not merely through crumbled infrastructure, but through the invisible and pervasive contamination of the nation’s soil, air, and water. A report released this November by the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq highlights a critical, often overlooked crisis: the environmental aftermath of war. Marking the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, the center has issued a stark warning that toxic remnants and explosive hazards remain a profound threat to the country’s ecological stability and public health.
According to data cited from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), approximately 2,583 square kilometers of Iraqi territory are currently tainted by explosive remnants of war (ERW) and abandoned munitions. This vast expanse of land is effectively “frozen” in time, restricted from agricultural use, residential development, and essential reconstruction efforts. For displaced communities attempting to return home, these explosive hazards represent not just a physical danger, but a significant barrier to rebuilding livelihoods and reclaiming ancestral land.
The environmental cost of Iraq’s conflicts extends far beyond the immediate presence of mines. The legacy of fighting includes the release of toxic substances, the destruction of delicate ecosystems, and the degradation of critical natural resources. Historical assessments by the World Bank previously estimated environmental damage at approximately 85 billion Iraqi dinars ($73 million), while broader conflict-related sectoral damage has been estimated in the trillions. Perhaps most alarmingly, experts have pointed to the potential loss of nearly half of Iraq’s natural forests, a casualty of the conflict that carries long-term consequences for the nation’s climate resilience and biodiversity.
The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq emphasizes that environmental protection during wartime is not a secondary concern, but a fundamental humanitarian and legal obligation. Citing the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, the center notes that international law explicitly prohibits warfare tactics designed to inflict widespread, long-term, and severe damage to the natural environment.
Beyond the legal implications, there is a clear correlation between environmental health and political stability. Data from the United Nations suggests that roughly 40% of internal conflicts over the past sixty years have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources, with such conflicts being significantly more likely to recur. By failing to address these environmental wounds, Iraq risks leaving its communities vulnerable to future instability.
To mitigate these risks, the center has called upon Iraqi authorities to shift from reactive post-emergency measures to a proactive, comprehensive strategy. The proposed roadmap includes strengthening national legislation to safeguard the environment, accelerating the clearance of hazardous munitions, and conducting rigorous, large-scale environmental health assessments in regions previously subjected to heavy bombardment or chemical exposure.
Furthermore, the center advocates for the integration of environmental protection into the core of national security policy and long-term reconstruction planning. By documenting violations and fostering deeper cooperation with international specialist organizations, Iraq can move toward holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that the land, water, and ecosystems are treated as vital assets for future generations.
The report concludes with a poignant reminder: Iraq’s true recovery cannot be measured solely by the restoration of buildings or the displacement status of its citizens. The wellbeing of the environment is inextricably linked to the protection of human rights. As the center asserts, the environment must no longer remain a “silent victim of war.” Instead, access to a healthy, safe, and restored landscape must be recognized as an essential component of human rights, integral to the long-term dignity and survival of the Iraqi people.
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