Norway and Syria Strengthen Cooperation on Mine Clearance Efforts

Enhanced Partnership for Mine Action

Norway and Syria have officially agreed to bolster their cooperation in mine clearance efforts, a critical step towards addressing the widespread threat of explosive ordnance across the war-torn nation. The announcement, reported on October 1, 2025, signifies a renewed commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and facilitating recovery in Syria.

The agreement emphasizes continued technical coordination, the identification of priority areas for intervention, and the exchange of expertise in disaster management and rehabilitation. This move is part of Syria's broader objective to transition from short-term humanitarian aid to sustainable, long-term development projects.

Syria's Extensive Explosive Ordnance Crisis

Syria faces one of the most severe explosive ordnance contamination crises globally, a direct consequence of over a decade of conflict. The country is littered with landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), cluster munitions, and other unexploded ordnance, posing daily risks to its population.

The scale of the problem is immense: an estimated 300,000 or more mines are present, and as of 2020, the United Nations estimated that one in three populated communities in Syria was affected, with one in two people at risk from these explosive weapons. Since December 2024, over 1,000 casualties have been recorded in six months, with approximately one-third being children. Between March 2011 and the end of 2024, landmines alone caused over 3,500 deaths. Areas such as Aleppo, Daraa, Deir Ezzor, Idlib, Raqqa, and Rural Damascus are particularly affected.

This pervasive contamination not only endangers civilians but also severely obstructs the safe return of internally displaced persons, hampers agricultural activities, and impedes crucial reconstruction and humanitarian access.

Norway's Enduring Commitment to Humanitarian Mine Action

Norway has long been a significant contributor to international mine clearance efforts, consistently ranking among the top five donors. Its commitment to Syria's mine action dates back years, with substantial financial support and the active involvement of Norwegian humanitarian organizations.

A key player in these efforts is Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), which established a humanitarian mine action program in Syria in 2021. NPA's operations, which include non-technical and technical surveys, clearance of explosive remnants of war, and explosive ordnance risk education, primarily focus on government-controlled areas where there has been a critical lack of qualified operators. In 2024, Norway's total support for Syria and neighboring countries affected by the crisis amounted to 1.1 billion NOK, a portion of which was dedicated to mine clearance.

Future Outlook and Collaborative Goals

The enhanced cooperation between Norway and Syria aims to streamline efforts and maximize impact. By focusing on technical coordination and sharing expertise, both nations seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mine clearance operations. The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management is actively working on national programs to enhance community resilience and achieve sustainable development, aligning with government efforts to support the safe and dignified return of Syrian citizens.

Despite the significant challenges, including low funding and the decades-long task ahead, this strengthened partnership represents a vital step towards mitigating the humanitarian crisis caused by explosive ordnance and paving the way for Syria's long-term recovery.