Human Rights Watch Raises Alarm Over Landmine Threats to Civilians in Syria
Human Rights Watch has raised alarms over civilian injuries due to uncleared landmines in Syria, urging the transitional government to take immediate action. The organization highlights the widespread contamination from past conflicts and the psychological impacts on victims. The global increase in landmine casualties further underscores the urgency of addressing this humanitarian issue.
On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed grave concerns regarding the presence of uncleared landmines and explosive remnants in Syria, which pose a significant threat to civilians returning to the country. The organization urged the transitional government to implement effective measures aimed at preventing further civilian harm.
HRW highlighted that substantial regions of Syria, including agricultural areas, remain contaminated with antipersonnel landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive weapons, all left behind due to actions taken during the civil war from 2011 to 2024. This contamination stemmed from the Assad government, its allies, and various armed opposition groups.
Interviews conducted by HRW with victims and their families reveal the profound impact of these injuries. One mother reported that her son, who sustained injuries while playing near a military base, now experiences significant anxiety and panic attacks due to his traumatic experiences involving explosive remnants.
The rights organization called for immediate interventions by the transitional Syrian government, which should include the establishment of a national, civilian-led mine action authority. Additionally, HRW emphasized the importance of collaborating with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to enhance clearance efforts throughout Syria.
The issue of civilian harm from landmines is not confined to Syria. The Landmine Monitor reported a disturbing total of 833 deaths from antipersonnel mines globally in 2023, a number that represents the highest annual figure since 2011. This alarming increase is closely linked to the high casualty rates observed in conflict zones such as Myanmar and Ukraine, which reported 553 and 151 deaths, respectively.
Landmines can be categorized into two types: anti-personnel and anti-vehicle. The use of anti-personnel mines is prohibited under the Ottawa Convention, which calls for the destruction of such mines within ten years by signatory states. However, Syria is not a participant in this convention, leaving its population vulnerable to these hazards.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the recent withdrawals of Poland and other Baltic states from the Ottawa Convention, which indicate a possible resurgence in landmine usage. Cordula Droege, a legal officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), alongside legal adviser Maya Brehm, articulated 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, the humanitarian crisis surrounding landmines in Syria continues to jeopardize civilian safety. Human Rights Watch’s urgent appeal underscores the necessity for prompt government action and international cooperation to mitigate the impacts of these explosive remnants. Additionally, the global rise in landmine-related casualties emphasizes the critical need for stricter adherence and enforcement of treaties like the Ottawa Convention to protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
