Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concerns about landmine injuries to civilians in Syria, urging the transitional government to act. Contaminated areas pose ongoing risks due to the Civil War, which has left extensive remnants. HRW calls for a national mine authority and collaboration with the UN. The global context illustrates an increase in landmine casualties, raising alarms about the necessity for active intervention and commitment to existing treaties, despite Syria’s non-participation in the Ottawa Convention.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised urgent concerns regarding the presence of uncleared landmines and explosive remnants in Syria, which pose significant risks to returning civilians. The organization has called on the transitional government to implement measures to mitigate further civilian injuries.
HRW reports that vast regions of Syria, including farmlands, have been heavily contaminated by antipersonnel landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive devices due to hostilities by the Assad regime, allied forces, and armed opposition during the prolonged Civil War from 2011 to 2024.
Interviews conducted by HRW reveal the harrowing experiences of victims and their families. One mother recounted her son’s trauma after he was injured while playing near an explosive remnant at a military site, stating he now suffers from panic attacks due to the incident.
The organization has urged immediate action from the transitional government, recommending the establishment of a civilian-led mine action authority and collaboration with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to enhance clearance efforts nationwide.
The impact of landmines is a global issue, as highlighted by the Landmine Monitor, which recorded 833 fatalities from antipersonnel mines in 2023—the highest since 2011. The spike in casualties is predominantly linked to incidents in Myanmar and Ukraine, which accounted for 553 and 151 deaths, respectively.
Landmines are categorized into anti-personnel and anti-vehicle types. Anti-personnel mines are explicitly banned under the Ottawa Convention, which obligates signatory states to eliminate these mines within ten years. However, Syria remains outside this treaty.
The recent withdrawals of Poland and Baltic states from the Ottawa Convention are concerning, as noted by Cordula Droege and Maya Brehm from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They emphasized that challenges to the prohibition on anti-personnel mines could jeopardize the safety of populations affected by landmines.
In conclusion, the ongoing threat of landmines in Syria remains a significant humanitarian concern, exacerbated by the absence of effective clearance measures. The urgency for a coordinated response from the transitional government and international organizations is crucial to safeguard civilian lives and address the severe psychological trauma experienced by victims. Globally, the rise in landmine casualties further emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and compliance with existing bans and conventions.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
