Damascus, July 21 (SANA) Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh met on Tuesday with UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Paula Gaviria Betancur to discuss the situation of displaced persons in Syria and ways to enhance efforts to prepare conditions for their return, support recovery, and advance mine clearance.
Al-Saleh told SANA that the mine clearance and war remnants file represents a top priority, given its direct link to reconstruction, food security, creating suitable conditions for the return of residents, and ensuring children can safely return to schools.
“Mine clearance is the foundation from which all recovery phases begin,” he said, noting that the continued presence of mines hinders land investment and limits development and reconstruction projects.
The minister stressed that the danger of mines threatens all citizens, not just clearance workers, and that any mistake could lead to loss of limb or life. He added that real international support has been limited to awareness and policy-setting, without providing the necessary implementation support for field clearance operations.
UN rapporteur calls for sustainable funding
Gaviria stressed the importance of adopting a vision and methodology for managing camps and return initiatives based on voluntary decisions, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation with the National Mine Action Center and provide adequate resources to national authorities to ensure a victim-centered approach that secures compensation and redress.
She also recommended maintaining and increasing 2026 humanitarian funding, expanding return and reintegration programs, making mine clearance and victim assistance a humanitarian priority requiring sustainable funding, and providing support to the most vulnerable groups, including protection and psychosocial services.
The special rapporteur said Syria stands at a pivotal moment, and that the number of returnees since December 2024 reflects Syrians’ aspirations for stability, while presenting significant challenges requiring that return be voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable for all displaced persons.
Government, UN step up planning for camp closures and recovery
Presidential Decree No. 59 of 2026, issued in March, established a committee chaired by the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management to prepare infrastructure in devastated areas ahead of the return of residents. The “Syria Without Camps” initiative aims to close all displacement camps by the end of 2026 and transition from humanitarian response to recovery and development.
On April 1, 2026, a high-level UN delegation visited Damascus to discuss national priorities and the government’s “Syria Without Camps” plan. The UN has pledged support for the initiative, with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Nathalie Fustier announcing the organization’s readiness to support the “Zero Tent” vision and assist displaced families in rebuilding their lives.
Mine clearance has been identified as a critical precondition for recovery, with the National Mine Action Center emphasizing that economic and agricultural development efforts depend on clearing land of mines and explosive remnants. A conference on mine action in Syria, held in Geneva from June 22-24, concluded with an announcement of a transition toward coordinated international cooperation on clearance efforts.
Kh.A / H.H
