Human Rights Watch Highlights Civilian Risks from Landmines in Syria

Human Rights Watch has expressed deep concerns over the dangers posed by uncleared landmines and explosive remnants to civilians in Syria, urging the transitional government to address this threat. The ongoing contamination due to past conflicts has led to significant civilian injuries. The global toll of antipersonnel mines has also reached alarming levels, with a call for international attention and cooperative clearance efforts.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms regarding the presence of uncleared landmines and explosive remnants in Syria, which pose a significant threat to civilians returning to the country. The organization has urged the transitional government to implement effective measures aimed at alleviating this danger.

HRW reports that vast areas of Syria, including agricultural lands, have been contaminated with antipersonnel landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive devices due to the actions of the Assad government, its allies, and armed opposition groups during the civil war, which has persisted since 2011.

Interviews conducted by HRW with victims and their families highlighted severe impacts. One mother recounted her son’s traumatic experience, stating he is now “scared of everything and now has panic attacks” after sustaining injuries from explosive remnants he discovered at a military base, illustrating the perilous environment for children.

The organization has called upon the transitional Syrian government to take urgent steps, such as creating a national, civilian-led mine action authority and collaborating with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to expedite clearance operations across affected areas.

The issue of civilian harm from landmines is not unique to Syria. In 2023, the Landmine Monitor recorded 833 deaths attributed to antipersonnel mines worldwide, the highest figure since 2011, primarily due to reported casualties in Myanmar and Ukraine, which accounted for 553 and 151 deaths, respectively.

There are two main categories of landmines: anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines. Anti-personnel mines are specifically prohibited under the Ottawa Convention, which mandates signatory states to eliminate these mines within a decade. However, Syria has not ratified this convention, leaving its civilian population vulnerable.

Additionally, recent withdrawals from the Ottawa Convention by Poland and other Baltic states have intensified concerns regarding the resurgence of landmine usage. Cordula Droege, a legal officer at the ICRC, along with legal adviser Maya Brehm, commented that “the recent challenges to the prohibition of anti-personnel mines raise serious concerns for the safety and well-being of mine-affected populations.”

In summary, Human Rights Watch emphasizes the urgent need for effective measures to clear landmines in Syria to protect returning civilians. The contamination by explosive remnants remains a significant threat not only in Syria but globally, with a rising number of deaths due to antipersonnel mines. The absence of Syrian adherence to the Ottawa Convention and recent withdrawals by other nations from the treaty could exacerbate the situation, necessitating immediate action to safeguard affected populations.

Original Source: www.jurist.org