Damascus, May 14 (SANA) Head of the donor countries delegation and Director for Humanitarian Affairs at the German Foreign Ministry, Ina Heusgen, said Thursday that international donors continue to support Syria’s recovery efforts and infrastructure rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on mine clearance, humanitarian assistance and creating conditions conducive to the return of displaced Syrians.
In an interview with SANA on Thursday, Heusgen stressed the importance of coordination between the Syrian government, the United Nations and international organizations in order to gradually transition from emergency relief to early recovery and reconstruction.
She said the delegation held talks with Syrian officials to review the government’s vision regarding current challenges and mechanisms for addressing them, particularly following the announcement of plans aimed at meeting urgent recovery needs and rehabilitating infrastructure to facilitate the return of millions of displaced persons and refugees.
Heusgen pointed out that the Syrian government has developed plans for mine clearance and the removal of unexploded ordnance, describing the issue as one of the most significant challenges facing population returns.
She said the United Nations and international organizations are adopting an area-based needs assessment approach, while donor countries are examining mechanisms to support those plans.
According to Heusgen, infrastructure rehabilitation includes rebuilding homes, water and sanitation networks, healthcare services and schools, particularly in rural areas. She added that such efforts require clearing mines and war remnants, as well as addressing urgent humanitarian needs linked to daily life.
Transition From Emergency Aid to Early Recovery
Heusgen said donor countries are currently funding essential humanitarian needs, including water supply, healthcare, emergency clinics, basic education and child-focused services in affected regions.
She referred to the delegation’s visits to rural Homs and Damascus countryside, where members observed the scale of destruction and humanitarian needs, especially among returning families living in destroyed homes or temporary tents.
Heusgen emphasized the role of UN agencies and local and international NGOs in supporting affected populations and said donors seek a coordinated framework involving international organizations, the UN and the Syrian government.
She expressed hope for a gradual shift toward reconstruction after meeting urgent humanitarian priorities, enabling Syria to restore economic recovery and provide stable living conditions for returning residents.
Mine Clearance and Long-Term Stability
Ina Heusgen said humanitarian aid cannot be halted abruptly because it remains tied to people’s immediate needs, but stressed the importance of shortening the time people spend in displacement camps dependent on food assistance and emergency healthcare.
“The objective is to create the infrastructure necessary for people to return home and rebuild their lives,” she said, adding that long-term dependence on humanitarian aid is not sustainable.
She stressed that reconstruction and mine clearance are essential to reducing reliance on humanitarian aid over the coming years, noting that Germany and European countries are focusing increasingly on supporting productive sectors.
Heusgen said more than 1,000 people were killed or injured last year due to explosive remnants of war. Germany and several European countries are cooperating with the UN Mine Action Service and the Syrian government to ensure safe and professional demining operations.
She added that local teams are also participating in clearance operations, though specialized equipment remains urgently needed to revive agriculture, restore livelihoods and facilitate safe returns.
International Support and Syria’s Future
Heusgen described Syria as a country with significant capabilities, a rich civilizational heritage and a strong, diverse social fabric.
There is a genuine determination among Syrians to rebuild their country and work together again, she said, expressing optimism about Syria’s recovery prospects.
She added that many Syrians wish to return home, although the scale of destruction in some regions continues to pose serious challenges, particularly regarding education, public services and stable living conditions.
Heusgen concluded by emphasizing the importance of the ties that have developed between Syria and Germany over recent years and their long-term significance.
A delegation representing 23 major donor countries within the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) arrived in Syria on Monday to assess humanitarian needs, discuss recovery priorities and coordinate humanitarian and development efforts with Syrian officials.
A/Dh
