Syria: 14 million civilians at risk from explosive ordnance

• Since the start of the war in Syria in 2011, it is estimated that more than 1 million explosive munitions have been used across the country.
• An estimated 14 million civilians are at risk from explosive ordnance. Children, displaced families and people returning home are particularly vulnerable.
• In late December 2024, explosive remnants of war reportedly killed at least seven people and injured 20 others across Aleppo, Daraa, Deir-ez-Zor, Hama, and Idlib.
• Ammunition and weapons warehouses are being attacked, resulting in a large-scale release of hazardous materials and unexploded ordnance, causing widespread contamination in surrounding areas and a high risk to the population.
• Hospitals across Syria are overwhelmed by the high number of trauma and other injury cases.
• Due to the high number of injuries and limited access to appropriate medical care nearly one-third of people in Syria have a disability.
• Prolonged exposure to traumatic events has led to a substantial portion of the population experiencing psychological distress and symptoms of trauma.
• Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has conducted explosive ordnance risk education sessions in Syria for years, reaching over 2 million people along with providing rehabilitation and mental health support to injured and disabled people.

Explosive remnants: Risk of injuries and death for people returning home

Since the start of the war in Syria in 2011, it is estimated that more than 1 million explosive munitions have been used across the country, primarily in populated areas. Generally, 10-30% of used munitions fail to detonate, leaving high contamination levels. 

An estimated 14 million civilians are at risk from explosive ordnance, with contamination creating obstacles to access essential services, humanitarian aid, and income-generating opportunities. 

After the significant developments that took place in Syria in late November 2024, fighting, bombing, and shelling continue in Syria. In late December, explosive remnants of war reportedly killed at least seven people and injured 20 others across Aleppo, Daraa, Deir-ez-Zor, Hama, and Idlib.

Ammunition and weapons warehouses are being attacked, resulting in a large-scale release of hazardous materials and unexploded ordnance, causing widespread contamination in surrounding areas and a high risk to the population. The incidents exacerbate the dangers posed by the presence of unsecured weapons stockpiles and the contamination by diverse types of ammunition. 

Displaced families and people returning home are particularly vulnerable to those dangers.

“Mines and unexploded ordnance now cover fields, villages, and towns, posing hidden dangers that severely disrupt daily life,” explains Danila Zizi, Country Director for Humanity & Inclusion (HI)'s Syria Response “Families wishing to return to their homes or lands remain trapped in fear, knowing that a single misstep could lead to a serious injury or even death.”

In Northwest Syria for example, there has been increasing reports of families being affected by explosive remnants of war as people continue to relocate. On 10th December, two children were killed by an explosion of a landmine on the outskirts of a village in southern Idleb, while two other siblings were injured. From 8 to 9 December, six civilians, including a child, lost their lives to three different incidents of landmine explosions in Hama and western Aleppo, while three other civilians were injured.

“As the context changes in Syria, families are moving around. Our biggest fear is that when they return to their homes - which are damaged or destroyed - they will try and enter their house to reclaim their possessions. We know from other conflict zones like Mosul that this is when the risk is greatest. We also know that the number of injuries will increase as people try to return. We are especially concerned about the risk to children” explains George Graham, Executive Director of HI UK.

Raising awareness about the dangers of explosive contamination and teaching people safe behaviors is vital. HI has conducted risk education sessions in the country for years, reaching over 2 million people.

Nearly one-third of people in Syria have a disability due to years of war combined with limited access to quality medical care

"Due to the high number of injuries and limited access to appropriate medical care, nearly a third of the population now lives with some kind of disability.” explains Danila Zizi 

More than 28% of the Syrian population over the age of two now lives with some disability.

The country's infrastructures have been devastated by systematic bombing and shelling of towns and cities, mainly between 2014 and 2019. Schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges lie in ruins, limiting access to essential services.

Hospitals overwhelmed and access to health services extremely limited

Only 60% of the country's hospitals are still operational and are overwhelmed by the high number of trauma and other injury cases.

“Major cities such as Raqqa, East Aleppo, Deraa, Homs, and Eastern Ghouta have been devastated by the bombing. Access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, remains extremely limited.” says Danila Zizi

Prolonged exposure to traumatic events has led to a substantial portion of the population experiencing psychological distress and symptoms of trauma. The conflict has significantly impacted mental health services, resulting in a shortage of trained professionals and limited structured support for those affected. 

HI’s health partners reported significant psychological distress among civilians, with signs of trauma particularly pronounced in children.

Notes

Spokepersons

• Danila Zizi, Country Director for Humanity & Inclusion's Syria Response
• Noor Bimbashi, Advocacy and Policy Advisor for Humanity & Inclusion's Syria Response
• Geogre Gragam, Executive Director, HI UK
• Vincent Delonneau, Hub Manager Northwest Syria.  
• Tomas Dominguez, Hub Manager Northeast Syria. 

Humanity & Inclusion's Work in Syria

Since 2012, HI has been carrying out one of Syria's most significant humanitarian missions. Our 330 staff implement a wide range of activities. In partnership with a vast network of local organisations and health centers, we provide rehabilitation services for older people, people with disabilities, and those injured as a result of the conflict. 

Since 2012, Humanity & Inclusion has provided humanitarian aid to 2 million people in Syria and Syrian refugees in five other countries. In 12 years, nearly 20,000 people were fitted with braces or artificial limbs. We have distributed mobility aids and related supplies to over 210,000 people and provided physical and functional rehabilitation sessions to 275,000.

In 2024 alone, HI teams and partners across Syria conducted:

• 20,800 risk education sessions reaching 145,000 people about the dangers of explosive ordnance
• Rehabilitation sessions caring for 38,500 patients
• Mental health sessions supporting 26,000 individuals
• Distribution of 29,000 assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, and more.