One-third of Syrians wounded or killed by landmines are children – with incidents up by 400% in two months

Widespread contamination from explosive ordnance (EO) and war debris in Syria has resulted in a 400% increase in the rate of injuries or fatalities in the first two months of 2025, as communities move to or within heavily contaminated areas in an effort to rebuild following the fall of the Assad regime. A third of those wounded or killed in these incidents are children.

As officials gathered at the Brussels IX Conference on Syria and the Region at the EU on Monday, over 150 NGOs working across Syria, and neighbouring countries, urged the international community to commit to longer-term, sustainable recovery, which prioritises the rights, safety and dignity of all Syrians.

Hombeline Dulière, Programme Manager for CAFOD’s Syria Crisis Response, said:

“Civilians are continuing to pay the highest price in Syria. Renewed conflict in coastal areas demonstrates how fragile the situation is.

“The cautious optimism four months ago following the fall of the Assad regime could not have foreseen the unprecedented aid cuts that would follow. Record-high needs and an increase in violence across Syria are putting stress on already overstretched resources.

“Syria’s recovery requires a sustainable approach to aid, to enable Syrians to rebuild their communities, foster resilience and create self-reliance.

“International players must support a peaceful transition with meaningful inclusion of civil society, women, and diverse Syrian communities - and investment in infrastructure to help rebuild and restore essential service provision.”

Fourteen years of conflict in Syria has devastated the country, with 16 million people – almost 70% of the population - reliant on aid. Ninety per cent live below the poverty line and more than half struggle to find adequate food. Immediate, strategic, longer-term action is required to protect civilians and ensure communities do not remain trapped in “sticking plaster” emergency response cycles.

Millions of people in Syria are without education, healthcare or jobs. A critical lack of infrastructure has left hundreds of thousands without access to water or electricity for months. In addition, structural, economic, psycho-social, protection and legal barriers continue to pose significant barriers for those wishing to return home.

Syria has great potential for recovery, but it needs more than short-term aid, a meaningful path to stability.

Brussels IX must deliver concrete action. The cycle of crisis must end. Syrians deserve the chance to rebuild their lives, and the time for decisive, coordinated action is now.