More than 200 returning refugees, including women and children, have tragically lost their lives to landmine explosions and residual munitions since the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. This grim statistic sheds light on the turmoil facing approximately 1.2 million Syrians who are now returning to their homes and lands after enduring years of displacement caused by the civil war.
Across Syria, thousands of landmines and unexploded shells remain scattered after 14 years of conflict. Bomb disposal experts have indicated, as quoted by the British Guardian, "There is no safe area in Syria." This chilling observation reflects the pervasive danger and highlights the urgency for immediate demining efforts. According to the Halo Trust organization, as of last week, 640 Syrians have been killed or injured due to these unexploded munitions, with children accounting for one-third of the victims. These young innocents often mistake the deadly remnants for toys.
Mohammad Sami al-Mohammad, a bomb disposal expert with the White Helmets aid organization, articulated the dire situation, stating, "We cannot say there is any area in Syria free of war remnants." He emphasized the long-term nature of the challenges, asserting, "It would take decades to clear the mines and make Syria safe." His insights reflect broader concerns about the historical persistence of landmine threats, noting, "There are countries where wars ended 40 years ago, and they still haven’t completely eradicated this danger. It’s not simple, and what happened in Syria is far more devastating compared to other places."
Despite the active efforts of volunteers to help returning residents clear their homes of mines, the risks remain high, and volunteers have also become victims of similar tragedies. They often sustain injuries or even lose their lives during demining operations.
Today, on March 18, 2025, the annual conference aimed at raising funds for Syria opens in Brussels. This significant meeting is poised to address the material needs of the country, particularly after Assad's fall, which has resulted in humanitarian crises and instability. Previously, this conference, organized by the European Union since 2017, was held without any representation from the Syrian regime. This year, under the new regime led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the minister of the transitional government, Assad al-Shibani, has been designated to represent Syria.
Ministers and representatives from various Western nations, as well as Arab states and UN agencies, plan to attend the conference. Historically, these gatherings have emphasized support for Syrian refugees located predominantly in Europe, steering funds to UN agencies and non-governmental organizations active within Syria and avoiding direct contact with the Syrian government. Now, with the regime's alteration following Assad's ousting, there is cautious optimism among European leaders about Syria entering a new era—one defined by stabilization.
Yet, this conference convenes just one week after another violent outbreak resulted in the massacre of civilians from Syria's Alawite minority. During fierce clashes between the new regime's security forces and the armed loyalists of the previous regime, the Alawites tragically became victims, highlight the challenging conditions still present. Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign minister, addressed these realities, stating, "This is a time ofcritical challenges and needs for Syria, as we tragically saw in the recent wave of violence in the coastal regions."
European officials have echoed the significance of this conference at such a turbulent time, especially considering the backdrop of the Trump administration's dramatic cuts to humanitarian aid and development programs worldwide. This leads to apprehensions about securing the necessary support for war-impacted regions like Syria.
Overall, the situation continues to pose severe challenges for the region. The continuing death toll from unexploded munitions emphasizes the urgency of clearing these remnants of war, and the collective effort of international aid is more necessary than ever as Syria navigates its complex path toward recovery.
