Handicap International on Landmine Dangers in Post-Assad Syria

Humanitarian Crisis in Syria

• humanitarian situation in Syria remains very fragile and dire, with over 16.5 million people needing assistance, meaning 90% of the population lives below the poverty line.
• 9 out of 10 Syrian families require humanitarian aid for basic needs.
• Syria faces one of the world's largest displacement and refugee crises, with returnees facing destroyed homes, contaminated lands, and lack of essential services.
• Despite hardships, Syrians are described as hopeful and resilient, determined to rebuild their country "brick by brick."

Landmine Contamination and Dangers

• ⚠️ Syria is one of the most contaminated countries globally due to over 13 years of conflict, with over 16 million people under threat from explosive ordnance and landmines.
• Accidents primarily occur on agricultural land, rural areas, and grazing areas, impacting civilians directly through death and injury.
• The contamination hinders humanitarian organizations from delivering effective aid to affected populations.
• Locating and clearing these hidden devices is a risky and time-consuming process.

Support for Survivors and Persons with Disabilities

• 💔 Survivors of landmines and explosive ordnance face shortages of funding, equipment, and essential services such as wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics, and rehabilitation.
• Access to healthcare is severely limited, with 65% of the population suffering from lack of access.
• Many hospitals have closed due to funding collapse, placing an immense burden on remaining facilities and leading to shortages in staff and specialists.

Handicap International's Advocacy and Campaigns

• 📢 Handicap International aims to amplify the voices of survivors and persons with disabilities to garner international attention and action for Syria.
• The "shoe pyramid" campaign is used to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of landmines and promote safer actions, especially for children.
• The organization strives to provide survivors with the opportunity to rebuild their lives, access livelihoods, and achieve a normal life free from discrimination and stigma.
• Handicap International is committed to keeping Syria on the humanitarian agenda amidst competing global crises.