Nidal Ahmad, near his olive farm in Aleppo, Syria, stands testament to the rampant dangers of landmines in the wake of war. Having lost his foot to a landmine last December, he exemplifies the plight of many who have suffered due to remnants of conflict, with nearly 250 people, including 60 children, falling victim to landmines since then. While the world might breathe easier following the overthrow of the Assad regime, the horrors of war persist, as casualties from explosive remnants continue to rise.
The harsh reality is that many displaced individuals, now returning home, unwittingly traverse mine-laden areas. With the recent collapse of government control, more previously inaccessible regions have opened up, revealing the concealed dangers lying beneath the surface. Tragically, many people stumble upon landmines or unexploded ordnance, fully unaware until it’s too late.
To address this deadly predicament, Syria’s transitional government must prioritise the detection and clearing of landmines. A recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) emphasises the need for rigorous surveying and assistance from international donors. Moreover, public education about the threats posed by unexploded munitions is critically lacking. Victims have reported an absence of information about dangers in their locales, with no systematic means for reporting suspected contamination.
The daunting task of clearing mines could span years, echoing the ongoing challenges faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina since its civil strife in the 1990s. To mitigate further tragedies in Syria, the transitional government must creatively leverage every communication outlet, from traditional media to modern digital platforms, to disseminate vital safety information and reporting channels, enhancing public awareness of this grave issue. While education won’t eradicate dangers entirely, it could significantly reduce casualties from lingering explosives.
In Syria, landmines and war-related explosives pose a grave threat, having killed nearly 250 people, including 60 children, since December 2024. With many displaced individuals returning home, the problem of unexploded ordnance has intensified. A new HRW report highlights the urgent need for public awareness and systematic clearance of dangerous areas, alongside the establishment of effective reporting channels.
The plight of landmine victims in Syria, such as Nidal Ahmad, illustrates the ongoing threat posed by explosive remnants of war, even after the end of the civil conflict. The urgent need for public education, effective reporting mechanisms, and coordinated clearance efforts by the transitional government, supported by international aid, is paramount to safeguarding the lives of returning citizens and reducing further casualties. Swift action and widespread awareness are essential in addressing this lethal legacy of war.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
