Human Rights Watch has voiced concerns about civilian injuries from landmines in Syria and urged immediate action from the transitional government. Extensive contamination remains a significant threat, necessitating the establishment of a mine action authority and collaboration with UNMAS. Globally, the death toll from antipersonnel mines is also rising, with notable casualties reported in Myanmar and Ukraine.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concerns regarding the dangers posed by uncleared landmines and explosive remnants as civilians return to Syria. The organization has called upon the transitional government to implement effective measures aimed at mitigating further harm to citizens.
HRW reported that various regions in Syria, including agricultural lands, are heavily contaminated with antipersonnel landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive devices. This contamination has resulted from military actions by the Assad government, allied forces, and various armed opposition groups during the ongoing Civil War, which began in 2011.
Interviews conducted by HRW revealed the traumatic impacts on victims and families affected by landmines. One mother recounted her son develops “panic attacks” after being injured while handling explosive remnants he discovered near a military site, highlighting the immediate and profound psychological effects.
The organization has urged the transitional government to take swift action, including the formation of a national mine action authority that is civilian-led, and to closely collaborate with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to enhance clearance efforts throughout Syria.
The issue of civilian harm is not confined to Syria alone. The Landmine Monitor reported 833 deaths from antipersonnel mines globally in 2023, the highest count since 2011. Significant casualties were reported in Myanmar and Ukraine, accounting for over 700 combined deaths.
Landmines are categorized into two types: anti-personnel and anti-vehicle. The Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of antipersonnel mines, defines such mines as devices that detonate on presence, proximity, or contact with an individual. Despite being bound by the convention, which mandates disposal of these mines within ten years, Syria has not ratified it.
Moreover, the recent withdrawal of Poland and other Baltic states from the Ottawa Convention has raised concerns over the potential resurgence in the use of landmines. Legal experts Cordula Droege and Maya Brehm from the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) warned that challenges to the ban could jeopardize the safety of populations affected by landmines.
In summary, the presence of landmines and explosive remnants in Syria poses a substantial risk to returning civilians, prompting Human Rights Watch to call for immediate government intervention. The global context of landmine injuries emphasizes the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies, as the landscape extends beyond Syria’s borders. The ongoing challenges to the Ottawa Convention highlight the necessity for robust enforcement of mine bans to ensure civilian safety and well-being.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
