This report looks at the challenges linked to the use of explosive weapons in the Syrian context for the provision of adequate immediate assistance and to plan for mid- to long-term assistance to the victims of explosive violence, to ensure their full recovery and inclusion into society. It is based on data and testimonies collected from humanitarian agencies, actors and patients across all areas of control in Syria. The testimony of Farah, a Syrian girl injured during the bombing of her school, and of her mother, is shared throughout the report to illustrate the challenges faced by victims.
This report was compiled from June to August 2019 and relies on multiple sources, including review of both gray and academic literature, published and unpublished data from INGOs working in Syria response, firsthand interviews with patients and Syrian humanitarians working both inside Syria and from cross-border locations, and expatriate staff from INGOs and UN agencies. Interviews were conducted at a distance during June and July 2019 with 12 individuals, among which: 2 patients; 3 mine action operators; 4 medical staff, and 3 humanitarian workers
Details are given of the use of explosive weapons in Syria since 2011 and its effects on the population highlighted. The density of explosive weapons use (2013 - 2015) in Syria is mapped and the numbers of affected population by Syrian governorate are provided. Between December 2012 and March 2015, 77,645 incidents were recorded following conventional weapons and IEDs use in Syria. Explosive weapons represent 83.73% of recorded incidents and the distribution of type of weapons use per rural and urban areas is given. The higher risk of developing permanent impairments by people injured by explosive weapons and the long-term impact of explosive remnants of war on services and infrastructure are highlighted.
This report presents research undertaken to highlight the number and needs of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon living with impairment, injury and chronic disease – for the purposes of this study these groups are referred to as “people with specific needs”. Throughout the report specific consideration is given to the position of older people with specific needs. Due to access and security constraints it was not possible to collect data in Syria itself, however it is recognised that the needs of refugees identified in the following report will be reflected within Syria, and that in this more extreme humanitarian situation the issues outlined below demand further consideration and response
The aim of this paper is to provide a snapshot of the types of injuries caused by explosive weapons, such as those encountered by Handicap International (HI) while working with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Syria