International conference launches in Geneva to discuss mine action in Syria

An international conference on mine action in Syria has opened in Geneva, bringing together representatives of the Syrian Interim Government, international organizations, and donor countries to discuss ways to strengthen efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance and support affected communities.

22 June, 2026 16:53

NEWS DESK

The International conference on mine action in Syria opened on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland. The event is being held in partnership with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), with support from the European Union, Germany, and Switzerland.

The conference is attended by Raed al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management in the Interim Government, along with representatives from the Interim Government's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, as well as international donors and organizations.

Running through June 24, the conference aims to develop a shared understanding of Syria's mine action priorities and needs, particularly with regard to the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance.

It also seeks to strengthen coordination between donors and implementing partners to accelerate response for areas affected by explosive remnants of war.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, explosions caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war have killed 201 people in Syria since the beginning of 2026, including 118 men, 76 children, and 7 women, while 295 others have been injured.