The Scars of conflict: A Personal Account

The ongoing conflicts in regions like Syria have left behind a deadly legacy: explosive remnants of war (ERW). These unexploded ordnances continue to claim lives and devastate communities long after active fighting ceases. Mohammad al-Abdullah, a Syrian man from Homs, shares his harrowing experience and his subsequent dedication to raising awareness about these dangers.

Al-Abdullah’s story is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of war.Forced to flee his home in 2016 due to relentless bombing, he suffered severe injuries while attempting to remove an explosive device. I was injured by bursts of shells all over my body, he recounts, highlighting the brutal reality faced by civilians in conflict zones.

From Victim to Advocate: A Path to Empowerment

Following his injury, al-Abdullah sought refuge in the Shamarin camp in northern Syria. it was here that he encountered a humanitarian organization providing risk education on ERW.This encounter proved to be transformative.

Recognizing the urgent need for awareness, al-Abdullah participated in training sessions focused on identifying and avoiding explosive devices. This knowledge not only empowered him but also ignited a passion to protect his community. He became an awareness agent,conducting sessions to educate others about the dangers lurking beneath the surface of their war-torn land.

As then, I have led manny awareness sessions for the community in which I live, and they have had an extremely positive impact, by changing the behavior of people and protecting their lives.

His efforts underscore the critical role of community-based initiatives in mitigating the risks posed by ERW. According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), risk education is a life-saving tool that empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their safety in areas contaminated by explosive hazards.

The Illusion of Home: A Return Marred by Danger

Driven by the desire to rebuild their lives, al-Abdullah and his family returned to their hometown last December. However, their hopes were quickly dashed. the devastation was far from over; their house was destroyed, and the entire neighborhood was riddled with explosives and mines.

The consequences of this contamination were immediate and tragic. Al-Abdullah witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of unexploded ammunition on unsuspecting civilians, particularly children who, unaware of the dangers, played with submunition bombs.

This grim reality forced him to make a difficult decision: to return to the camp, prioritizing the safety of his family over the dream of returning home. This highlights a common dilemma faced by displaced populations returning to areas affected by conflict.

The Urgent Need for Continued Support and Risk Education

Al-Abdullah emphasizes the critical need for sustained humanitarian assistance, particularly rehabilitation projects for people with disabilities and continued risk education on the dangers of explosive war. He believes that these education sessions are essential for protecting communities and fostering a safer future.

His plea resonates with the broader call for increased funding and resources dedicated to mine action and ERW clearance. Organizations like Humanity & Inclusion (HI), formerly Handicap International, work tirelessly to clear landmines and provide support to victims of explosive weapons. Their efforts, along with those of local advocates like al-Abdullah, are crucial for creating a more secure and stable habitat for communities affected by conflict.

What we need urgently is that humanitarian organizations continue to support people with disabilities with rehabilitation projects and that they continue to raise awareness of the dangers of explosive war. Education sessions allow us to protect us,we and our children.

Al-Abdullah’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of war and the importance of investing in long-term solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of affected communities. Continued support for risk education and mine action is not just a necessity; it is indeed the only hope for a safer and more stable future.