The Importance of Sustained Support for Mine Action in Syria
Syria continues to face significant challenges as it works to recover from years of conflict. The country remains one of the most heavily contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), with an estimated one-third of its populated areas affected. These hazards pose a daily threat to civilians throughout the country, obstruct access to essential resources, hinder the rebuilding of infrastructure, and complicate efforts to restore social and economic stability. These hazards disrupt agriculture, displace communities, and prevent the safe return of displaced persons.
The ongoing transition in Syria adds further complexity, with evolving conditions and security concerns often delaying or hindering recovery efforts. The previously unstable environment has made it particularly challenging to coordinate and implement large-scale humanitarian mine action programs, with frequent territorial control and security conditions shifts. As the situation continues to unfold and as Syria embarks on a path of transition, continued support for life-saving mine action activities is critical to ensure all other recovery efforts can progress safely and effectively.
Tangible Results from the Latest Humanitarian Mine Action Project supported by France and Slovenia
In Northeast Syria, a significant mine action initiative funded by France and co-funded by Slovenia through ITF has made measurable progress in mitigating these risks. Between August 2023 and October 2024, the project cleared over 1.5 million square meters of land contaminated with explosive remnants of war and unexploded ordnance, many of them remnants from ISIS. This effort included the clearance of farmland and vital infrastructure —areas crucial to the safety and livelihoods of local communities.
The clearance of land has not only improved safety but also opened up new opportunities for recovery. Families can now return to cultivate fields, rebuild their homes, and access infrastructure that was previously off-limits due to explosive hazards. Each square meter cleared marks a step forward in the journey toward recovery and stability in a region where rebuilding has been slow.
In addition to clearing land, the project provided essential explosive ordnance risk education to over 12,102 people, including 4,027 boys, 4,159 girls, 1,304 men, and 2,612 women, all of them living in rural areas and vulnerable to these dangers. Risk education is a critical component of mine action, especially in areas where the threats posed by ERW are often not fully understood. These community-based awareness sessions equip individuals with the knowledge needed to avoid life-threatening hazards, reduce the risk of injuries, and promote safe behaviours in daily life. By fostering a culture of safety, these sessions play a crucial role in protecting communities and saving lives, ultimately supporting the broader recovery process.
Another key aspect of the project was its cross-cutting focus on organizational and technical capacity building, with a strong emphasis on leveraging local expertise. These efforts are at the core of ITF’s approach worldwide as the organization relies on local know-how and resources. By working closely with, training and mentoring a local humanitarian mine action organization, the project enhanced the ability of the local teams to independently carry out clearance operations and manage projects effectively. This approach fosters local ownerships, ensures the long-term sustainability of mine action efforts and strengthens the ability of local organizations to respond to the ongoing threat of landmines and ERW.
The Continued Need for Mine Action
While this latest humanitarian mine action project has made important strides in clearing land and building local capacity, the scale of contamination in Syria remains vast, particularly in areas where the operational environment has recently experiences major shifts. Large areas of land are still contaminated, and ongoing efforts are required to remove these hazards and provide continued support to affected communities. In Northeast Syria alone, over 38 million square meters[1] of land remain contaminated, and the work to clear these areas will require sustained resources and coordination.
The transitions and changes in the operating environment that have occurred in the recent weeks, further highlight the challenges of maintaining consistent support for mine action. Despite the successes of initiatives like this one, political change and shifting control over territories can disrupt the continuity of mine action programs. As situation continues to remain fluid, there is risk is that mine clearance efforts could be deprioritized, leaving communities vulnerable to the ongoing threat of explosive remnants.
Looking Ahead
The accomplishments of the humanitarian mine action project, supported by France and Slovenia, highlight the positive impact of international partnerships in addressing the challenges posed by landmines and ERW. However, it also underscores the need for continued focus on expanding mine action efforts across Syria. Additional resources are needed to accelerate clearance operations, provide risk education, and further strengthen local capacities to manage and respond to the hazards posed by landmines.
Humanitarian mine action is not just a technical task—it is a humanitarian priority that ensures safe land, enables communities to rebuild, and protects the most vulnerable. The international community must remain committed, recognizing that demining efforts are essential to Syria’s recovery.
By sustaining and increasing investment in mine action, we can protect lives, promote stability, and give Syrian communities the opportunity to reclaim their futures. The work done so far demonstrates what can be achieved with dedication and cooperation, but it also highlights the urgency of continued efforts to address this ongoing crisis.
[1] 3iS, & Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion. (2024, July 9). Explosive Ordnance contamination survey in Northeast Syria, May 2024. ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/explosive-ordnance-contamination-survey-northeast-syria-may-2024.