The Syrian Future Movement offers its sincere condolences to the family of the young man who was killed and his father injured as a result of a landmine explosion in the village of Al-Mashun in the southern countryside of Deir ez-Zor on August 17, 2025.
This painful incident highlights the imminent danger posed by landmines, a scourge that threatens the lives of millions and tears apart the fabric of Syrian families, hindering their aspirations for a life of peace and security.
UN reports for 2024 indicate that 10.3 million Syrians, half of whom are children, live in areas contaminated by mines. Handicap International also reported in 2024 that 70% of mine victims are civilians, with less than 5% of contaminated areas cleared due to a lack of funding.
These figures embody a humanitarian tragedy that burdens families, especially in areas like Deir ez-Zor, which have suffered the ravages of conflict.
We, in the Syrian Future Movement, renew our commitment to supporting any governmental or international efforts to clear Syrian territory of mines, emphasizing that ending this threat requires a global approach consistent with the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the recommendations of specialized international organizations.
Therefore, we call for:
- A national mine clearance plan, and cooperation with United Nations experts and relevant organizations to clear contaminated areas by 2030, with the allocation of sustainable funding.
- Intensive community awareness-raising through educational campaigns targeting families and children, especially in rural areas, to avoid the dangers of mines.
- Supporting affected families by providing urgent medical, psychological, and material assistance, along with the establishment of a national fund to compensate victims.
- Specialized international partnerships, represented by the formation of a national committee with the support of international experts, to develop a comprehensive mine clearance strategy.
Syrian families are the heartbeat of the nation, and Syria cannot thrive without ensuring the safety of its citizens.
We call on all parties, inspired by the spirit of Syrian unity, to transform this pain into an incentive to build a future free from fear. Let us work together to make ending the mine issue a promise for future generations, and Syria a safe homeland, vibrant with life and hope.
