War Remnants Threaten Children’s Lives in Syria
The dangers of war remnants are severely impacting the lives of children in Syria, according to a
recent statement by UNICEF. On Wednesday, the United Nations Children’s Fund reported that at
least 116 children were killed or injured in December 2024 alone due to “hidden threats” (war
remnants).
Most Syrian cities, towns, and villages are still littered with unexploded ordnance from the
prolonged conflict, posing a daily threat to the lives of residents, particularly the children.
From Damascus, Ricardo Pires, UNICEF’s Communications Director, highlighted the scale of the
problem: “Over the past nine years, at least 422,000 incidents related to unexploded ordnance
have been reported, with half of these incidents leading to tragic injuries among children.”
Pires further explained, “Children across the country are facing this hidden, often invisible, yet
deadly threat.” He stressed the urgency of the situation as discussions on reconstruction efforts
continue, and the international community prepares to aid Syria in paving a new path for its
children. “It is crucial that immediate investments are made to ensure the land is safe and free
from explosives,” he insisted.
The UN official called for an increase in humanitarian mine clearance operations and broader
educational outreach about the dangers of mines, enabling children to recognize and avoid
unexploded ordnance.
This alarming situation underlines the necessity for continued international support to clear
Syria of these deadly leftovers of war, ensuring a safer environment for its youngest citizens.
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