In Syria, over 100 children have died from leftover explosives in the past month, with UNICEF reporting four child casualties daily. The situation has been exacerbated by continued conflict and displacement, leading to urgent calls for international support in demining efforts.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria continues to claim the lives of innocent children due to the remnants of prior armed conflict. Recent reports from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlight the alarming toll that leftover explosives and landmines have taken, with over 100 children killed in just the last month. UNICEF’s Communication Manager for Emergencies, Ricardo Pires, emphasized the urgent need for the international community to implement comprehensive demining projects across the country.
Pires pointed out that there have been at least 422,000 reported incidents involving unexploded ordnance (UXO) throughout 14 Syrian governorates, resulting in devastating consequences, particularly for children. He noted that tragically, many child casualties arise from this lethal legacy, remarking that in December alone, child casualties averaged nearly four per day. Estimates indicate that more than 300,000 mines remain scattered throughout Syria, underscoring the persistent danger faced by children in these affected areas.
Currently, an estimated five million children are living in regions contaminated with these hazardous remnants of war, where each step they take poses a significant risk. Additionally, the renewed conflict has exacerbated the situation, displacing over 250,000 children since late November as combat escalated around Damascus. For these displaced individuals, the threat posed by UXO remains a constant concern, further highlighted by the recent power shifts within the region.
The repercussions of these explosives extend beyond immediate danger, as many children who survive such incidents often face life-altering injuries, hindering their ability to attend school or access adequate healthcare. Mr. Pires underscored the need for enhanced humanitarian demining efforts and extensive mine-risk education to support those affected. He stressed the importance of proactive investments in creating safe environments as part of the broader reconstruction discussion supported by the international community.
James Elder, a UNICEF spokesperson, reiterated the call for substantial funding for demining initiatives stating that the costs involved, while significant, could lead to the saving of thousands of lives. He asserted that this investment is crucial for Syria’s recovery and its potential return to a stable economic status as a middle-income nation.
Syria has been embroiled in a protracted conflict for over a decade, resulting in extensive loss of life and widespread destruction. One of the most insidious consequences of this conflict is the large number of remnants of war that remain, particularly landmines and unexploded ordnance. These threats pose severe risks to civilians, particularly children, who are most vulnerable to such dangers. As the situation remains fluid, calls for urgent international assistance for demining and rehabilitation efforts have become increasingly critical to protect the affected populations and facilitate long-term recovery.
In summary, UNICEF’s recent findings highlight a dire situation wherein leftover explosives in Syria are causing significant harm to children, leading to tragic casualties on a daily basis. The ongoing conflict has compounded these dangers, resulting in increased displacement and a heightened risk for affected communities. There is an urgent need for comprehensive demining initiatives and support for survivors to mitigate this crisis. The international community must respond promptly to ensure the safety of millions of children at risk and aid Syria’s recovery efforts.
Original Source: news.un.org
