Handicap International is challenging the Syrian government of Bachar el Assad over the suspected use of anti-personnel mines

Handicap International is concerned by recent reports from the Associated Press and other news agencies indicating the use of anti-personnel mines by the Syrian army. The organization is strongly opposed to any further use of these inhumane weapons and calls on Syrian officials to end this practice immediately. These weapons are reported to have claimed another victim last weekend.

Handicap International is concerned about recent reports that Syrian government forces may have laid anti-personnel mines along the Lebanese border. Lebanese civilians have told the Associated Press that they saw Syrian soldiers lay mines close to the villages of Knaysseh and Al-Hnayder, near Homs.

On October 27, a Syrian official, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of this issue, confirmed that “Syria has taken several measures to control its borders, including the use of mines,” to stop the smuggling of weapons into Syria during the uprising. This border is also used by Syrians attempting to flee the crackdown on anti-government demonstrations and by those who work
or have family in Lebanon.

“Handicap International strongly condemns any use of anti-personnel mines, whatever the country, territory or reasons used to justify the use of these barbaric weapons,” explained Marc Drolet, Executuve Director of Handicap International Canada.

“Most countries now ban these weapons and strongly condemn their use. They kill and maim civilians, sometimes decades after fighting has ended. Many Syrians are now seeking refuge by crossing the border into Lebanon, far from the violence perpetrated by this regime. The use of mines could cause new victims on this border.”

Syria is thought to be the fourth country to have laid anti-personnel mines in 2011, after Libya in March, Israel in August, and Burma. Only Burma used these weapons in 2010.

Handicap International is alarmed by the growing use of these weapons. It is calling on Syria to publicly renounce any further use of anti-personnel mines and to sign the Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty). “Syria must clearly state that it will not use anti-personnel mines and that it will withdraw any remaining weapons from the country without delay,” continued Marc Drolet.
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Khoudia Ndiaye, Communications Officer

Phone: (514) 983-2813/ (514) 908-2813 ext.227

Email: khoudia.ndiaye@handicap-international.ca