Syria Emergency: Four Children a Day Killed or Injured by Leftover Explosives
January 14, 2025
Damascus, Syria – A new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) paints a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, revealing that four children a day are being killed or injured by leftover explosives from the country’s decade-long conflict.
The report, titled “Syria: Children Under Fire,” found that in 2024 alone, nearly 1,500 children were killed or injured by explosive remnants of war (ERW). This represents an alarming 20% increase from the previous year.
“The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has had a devastating impact on Syrian children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “These weapons do not discriminate between civilians and combatants, and they continue to claim innocent lives long after the fighting has stopped.”
According to the report, ERW include unexploded bombs, landmines, and other explosive devices that remain hazardous after a conflict. They pose a significant threat to civilians, especially children, who are often unaware of the dangers they pose.
The report found that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ERW due to their smaller size and lower body mass. Explosions can cause severe injuries, including amputation, blindness, and burns. They can also lead to psychological trauma and disabilities that can last a lifetime.
“The use of explosive weapons in populated areas is a clear violation of international law,” said Russell. “We demand that all parties to the conflict take immediate steps to protect children from these deadly weapons.”
UNICEF is calling for a number of urgent measures to address the crisis, including:
- A ban on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
- Increased funding for ERW clearance and victim assistance programs.
- Education campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of ERW.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Russell. “Every day that passes, more children are being killed or injured by these deadly weapons. We must act now to protect the lives of Syria’s children.”
Additional Information:
- The conflict in Syria has displaced millions of people and created a severe humanitarian crisis.
- More than half of the Syrian population is now living in poverty.
- The country is facing a severe economic crisis, with high unemployment and inflation.
- International aid organizations are struggling to provide essential services to the Syrian people.
Syria emergency: Four children a day killed or injured by leftover explosives
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