Human Rights Watch calls on the international community to help clear the explosive remnants of war in Syria

Human Rights Watch said that the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for more than a decade, has caused widespread contamination by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Syria, posing a major obstacle to safe return and reconstruction efforts.

Richard Weir, senior researcher in the Crisis, Conflict, and Arms Division at Human Rights Watch said in a statement: For the first time in more than a decade, there is an opportunity to systematically address the massive contamination in Syria by clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war.

He stressed that without urgent nationwide demining efforts, more civilians returning to their homes to reclaim their basic rights, lives, livelihoods  and lands will be injured or killed.

Weir added: The explosive remnants of war must be cleared so that people can return to their communities, live safely, and engage in activities vital to their livelihoods, such as farming.

He noted that donors and humanitarian organizations should work with the transitional government to facilitate this urgent and life-saving work.

The international organization concerned with improving the safety of aid workers indicated in a report that unexploded ordnance and mines have killed at least 249 people, including 60 children, and injured 379 others in Syria since December 8.

Nada Haj Khidr