UNICEF Urges Immediate Action to Protect Syrian Children from Deadly Unexploded Ordnance.
DAMASCUS:
As hopes for a potential peace dividend grow for Syrian children, the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to claim young lives at an alarming rate, UNICEF warns. The organization reports that in December alone, 116 children were killed or injured by UXO, averaging nearly four children per day. This, however, is believed to be an underestimate given the rapidly changing and volatile humanitarian situation on the ground.
Over the past nine years of devastating conflict, Syria has experienced at least 422,000 UXO-related incidents across 14 governorates, with an estimated 50% of these incidents resulting in child casualties. The scale of the threat is exacerbated by ongoing displacement, with more than a quarter of a million children forced to flee their homes since late November 2024. For these children and those trying to return to their communities, the presence of UXO remains an ever-present danger.
A key concern highlighted by UNICEF is the spread of unexploded ordnance, which is scattered across the country. According to estimates, approximately 324,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance remain across Syria. These remnants of war pose a lethal threat to nearly 5 million children living in contaminated areas, making UXO and landmines the leading cause of child casualties in the country.
In an emotional plea, UNICEF highlighted the tragic story of 12-year-old Abdul, who was severely injured in an explosion while playing football with friends near his home on 18 December. A seemingly innocent moment turned into a nightmare when one of Abdul’s friends stepped on a hidden explosive, killing his cousin Mohamed and injuring Abdul and his younger brother. The two brothers, who now suffer from multiple fractures, have been left with life-altering injuries and deep emotional trauma.
Abdul’s mother tearfully recounted other instances of children unknowingly bringing home grenades and other deadly devices found in playgrounds, which led to further deaths in the community. Even survivors of such blasts face a long and difficult journey ahead, as life-changing injuries often prevent them from returning to school, accessing adequate healthcare, or reintegrating into their communities. Many children suffer from the stigma and isolation that accompany their disabilities, making it harder for them to rebuild their lives.
In light of these ongoing dangers, UNICEF calls for urgent action from the international community. The organization emphasizes the need for increased humanitarian demining efforts to remove the remnants of war and make communities safe again. Additionally, UNICEF stresses the importance of expanding mine-risk education programs to teach children how to recognize and avoid UXO. The organization also calls for comprehensive support for survivors, including medical care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial services to help them regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.
UNICEF’s spokesperson underscored the moral imperative of taking swift action to protect Syria’s children. “We owe it to these children not just to listen, but to act,” the spokesperson said. “There is no hope for reconstruction in Syria when there is so much destruction still lying in wait on the ground. Every day without action is another day that threatens the children of Syria. These children – who have lived their entire lives in danger – deserve to live the rest of their lives in safety.”
As the international community prepares to assist Syria in rebuilding after more than a decade of conflict, addressing the deadly legacy of UXO must be a priority. Only by making the ground safe can the future of Syria’s children be secured.
