Damascus: Human Rights Watch has issued a call to the international community, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war in Syria. The ongoing conflict, now in its second decade, has led to significant contamination, hindering the safe return of displaced civilians and impeding reconstruction efforts.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, Human Rights Watch highlighted the critical nature of addressing this issue, with Richard Weir, a senior researcher in the Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division, emphasizing the necessity of nationwide mine clearance. Weir stated that without immediate action, civilians returning to their homes face the risk of injury or death, as they attempt to reclaim their basic rights and livelihoods.
Weir further elaborated on the importance of removing explosive remnants, underscoring that such efforts are essential for enabling people to safely return to their communities and resume essential activities, particularly agriculture. He called upon donors and humanitarian organizations to collaborate with Syria’s transitional government to advance this vital, life-saving initiative.