Damascus, April 14 (SANA) Explosive ordnance contamination remains a major barrier to Syria’s recovery and economic stability, with more than 2,000 casualties recorded since late 2024, according to a report by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
The report titled “From Contamination to Recovery: The Critical Role of Humanitarian Mine Action in Syria,” said that between Dec. 8, 2024, and April 3, 2026, at least 1,137 incidents involving unexploded ordnance were recorded, resulting in 2,050 casualties, including 746 deaths and 1,304 injuries. Children were among the most affected.
About 63% of incidents occurred in agricultural and grazing areas, highlighting the risks facing farmers and rural communities. The provinces of Deir Ezzor, Aleppo and Idlib were identified as the most affected.
The DRC estimates that between 100,000 and 300,000 explosive munitions remain unexploded across Syria, posing long-term threats to civilians and hindering reconstruction efforts.
Impact on livelihoods
The report noted that contamination affects farmland, infrastructure, schools and residential areas, restricting access to essential services and delaying the return of displaced populations.
It warned that explosive remnants of war are not only a safety concern but also a major obstacle to economic recovery, preventing communities from cultivating land, restoring livelihoods and rebuilding local economies.
High-risk practices such as self-clearance, scrap collection and farming in contaminated areas have increased, driven by economic pressures and limited awareness.
Need for sustained mine action
The DRC said Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA), including survey, clearance and risk education, is critical to enabling recovery and ensuring safe access to land and services.
Without sustained and coordinated efforts, investments in infrastructure, agriculture and early recovery are unlikely to produce lasting results, the report said.
Call for coordinated response
The report emphasized the need for a cross-sector approach linking mine clearance with broader recovery programs, including housing, infrastructure and livelihood support.
It also highlighted the importance of addressing housing, land and property rights to ensure safe and sustainable returns and reduce the risk of disputes.
Funding and capacity challenges
The DRC called for increased and predictable funding for mine action, warning that short-term funding cycles limit effectiveness and raise costs.
It also stressed the need to strengthen national institutions and build local capacity to ensure long-term, sustainable responses.
Expanding operations
Recent efforts by the DRC have included risk awareness campaigns, surveys and training programs reaching thousands of beneficiaries, including children, with teams deployed in affected areas such as Damascus countryside and Daraa.
The report concluded that addressing explosive ordnance contamination is a prerequisite for safe, sustainable and cost-effective recovery in Syria.
ABD
