Supporting Syria’s Recovery: ITF Meets with National Authorities
During a recent visit to Damascus, ITF held meetings with key Syrian national authorities to discuss continued and expanded support for mine action activities across Syria. Meetings were held with H.E. Dr. Ahmed Ekzayez and H.E. Mr. Moneer Mustafa, Deputy Ministers at the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Response, and Mr. Saad Baroud, Director of the Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
As Syria continues to confront the aftermath of years of conflict and the fall of the Al-Assad regime, the country faces the monumental task of recovery and reconstruction. During the meetings, Syrian authorities presented an overview of the immense and growing needs in mine action and highlighted the ongoing challenges in coordinating and implementing recovery activities across the country.
ITF shared insights from its past and ongoing support in Syria, particularly in the northeast, where activities have focused on humanitarian demining, explosive ordnance risk education, and economic and agricultural recovery assistance. Mine action is a vital first step in the recovery process – clearing land from mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) not only allows displaced families to return home safely but also makes roads passable, reopens access to essential services, and enables communities to restart agricultural activities. Without safety, sustainable recovery remains out of reach.
The Syrian authorities expressed appreciation to ITF and to the international donor community whose support has made this work possible. ITF gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Austria, Slovenia, France, the European Union (through iMMAP France), and the Knights of Columbus, without whom progress in Syria to date would not have been possible.
The need for continued and expanded support remains urgent. Syria’s national recovery cannot succeed without the sustained involvement and solidarity of the international community. Burden-sharing among donors remains essential for addressing complex humanitarian needs and ensuring that recovery efforts reach the most affected communities.
ITF remains committed to supporting Syria’s recovery through coordinated, locally informed programming in demining and the disposal of ERW, while promoting conditions for safe return and sustainable livelihoods. With a shared commitment to results and strong cooperation on the ground, ITF will continue engaging new donors and partners to respond to the needs ahead.