New York, SANA-Human Rights Watch said that the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for more than a decade, has caused widespread contamination by landmines and explosive remains of war in Syria, posing a major obstacle to safe return and reconstruction efforts.
“If there are no urgent nationwide efforts to clear mines, more civilians returning to their homes to reclaim their basic rights, lives, livelihoods, and lands will be injured or killed,” Richard Weir, a senior researcher in the Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement posted on its website, clarifying that is the first time in more than a decade, that there is an opportunity to systematically address the massive contamination in Syria by removing landmines and explosive remnants of war.
“The explosive remnants of war must be removed so that people can return to their communities, live safely, and engage in activities vital to their livelihoods, such as agriculture,” Weir added, noting that donors and humanitarian organizations should work with the transitional government to facilitate this urgent and life-saving work.
Fedaa
