Baghdad, Iraq: On the 31 January, ICMPD delivered ten Thermal Cameras to the Border Points Commission (BPC) in Iraq. The cameras were provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will assist border officials in their ability to detect travellers potentially infected with the virus at nine border crossing points in Iraq.
The border points which will benefit from the delivery of the cameras include Munthria, Zurbatieh, Al-Sheeb, Shalamcheh, Safwan, Arrar, Trebil, Al-Qa’am and Rabih BCPs. The delivery also included a training for BPC staff on installation and use of the cameras. The cameras were officially received by the Border Points Commission management, represented by the Deputy Brigadier Hassan Al-Gazali, who expressed his deep gratitude to ICMPD for support provided both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new obstacles for border staff, but the addition of Thermal Cameras at Iraqi border will help officers identify travellers potentially carrying the virus, therefore helping to combat the spread. Earlier this year, ICMPD also provided the Iraqi Border Guard Forces (BGF) with raw materials for manufacturing of PPE equipment, which will also help to protect border officials from the potential transmission of COVID-19 while on duty.
IBM Silk Routes is an ICMPD project, funded by the European Union, which aims to support the Government of the Republic of Iraq in effectively and efficiently managing its national frontiers.
