Human Rights Watch has raised alarms about civilian injuries from uncleared landmines in Syria. They reported extensive contamination from the Civil War and called for the government’s immediate action. A global increase in landmine casualties and concerns over the prohibition’s effectiveness further underscore the severity of the situation.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently expressed significant concern regarding civilian injuries caused by uncleared landmines and explosive remnants in Syria. The organization has called upon the transitional government to implement measures aimed at preventing further harm to civilians returning to the country.
HRW reports that substantial areas of Syria, particularly agricultural lands, remain highly contaminated with antipersonnel landmines and other explosive devices due to actions taken by the Assad government, allied forces, and armed opposition groups during the ongoing conflict beginning in 2011.
Through interviews with victims and their families, HRW highlighted the trauma experienced by survivors. One mother noted her son’s ongoing fear and panic attacks stemming from injuries incurred while playing near a military base where explosive remnants were discovered and accidentally detonated.
The organization urges the transitional Syrian government to take urgent steps, including the creation of a civilian-led mine action authority, and to collaborate with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to facilitate clearance operations throughout the nation.
The issue of civilian harm from landmines extends beyond Syria. The Landmine Monitor reported 833 deaths from antipersonnel mines worldwide in 2023, the highest number since 2011, with significant casualty figures from Myanmar and Ukraine contributing to this increase.
Landmines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines. Anti-personnel mines are prohibited under the Ottawa Convention, defined as devices designed to detonate through the presence or proximity of an individual, causing serious injury or death. However, Syria has not ratified this convention, thus exempting it from its mandates.
Recent withdrawals by Poland and certain Baltic states from the Ottawa Convention have heightened concerns regarding the potential resurgence of landmine usage. Experts from the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) have noted that challenges to the prohibition of these mines pose significant risks to the safety of affected populations, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
In conclusion, Human Rights Watch has highlighted urgent issues concerning landmine contamination in Syria, urging the transitional government to act swiftly to protect civilians. The broader context reveals a rising trend in global landmine casualties, underlining the critical need for international cooperation in addressing this humanitarian crisis. Notably, the absence of Syria from the Ottawa Convention exacerbates the perilous situation of affected individuals, while recent policy shifts by some nations regarding the Convention raise further concerns about global mine safety.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
