Syrian officials convened with European counterparts in Geneva to address ongoing mine clearance efforts, a critical issue following the end of the Syrian civil war in December 2024. The three-day conference, chaired by Raed Al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, began on Monday and focused on demining as a top priority, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Conference Collaboration and Support
The event was organized in partnership with the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining and received backing from the European Union, Germany, and Switzerland. The Syrian delegation included representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, as well as demining specialists.
Landmine Casualties and Contamination
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least 3,799 civilians have been killed in Syria due to landmines and remnants of cluster munitions between March 2011 and April 2025. Experts estimate that over 300,000 landmines remain scattered across the country, posing a persistent threat to communities.
Minister Al-Saleh's Remarks
Al-Saleh emphasized that mine clearance is "an investment in humanity, life and stability," as it saves lives and restores access to land and services. He stated: "There can be no safe return (of Syrian refugees) without safe land, and no sustainable stability without removing this deadly threat." He noted that the Syrian National Mine Action Center is building a contamination-mapping database and coordinating among local and international partners to address mines and unexploded ordnance.
Reconstruction and Investment Needs
The minister added that Syria requires collective efforts from the United Nations, donors, and private-sector partners with expertise in mine clearance. The World Bank estimates that Syria needs $216 billion for reconstruction, and large-scale investment cannot flow into the country while its land remains unsafe.
