In the countryside of Raqqa, children like Hazem Al-Eissa (13 years old) are compelled to leave their school desks and head to fields and barren lands in search of scrap metal and truffles. Hazem carries a plastic bag and a metal stick, beginning his day on a perilous journey as he navigates through rubble in search of any source of income.
Hazem starts his journey in areas that have witnessed previous battles, searching through soil and stones for metal pieces or remnants of abandoned munitions. He understands that what he seeks could be a source of income, but at the same time, it poses a deadly risk. He uses his stick to move suspicious objects from a distance, trying to avoid getting too close, as the remnants of war continue to pose threats.
Details of the Situation
Hazem goes out with several other children to the wet lands, where they share the areas among themselves and return at the end of the day with what they have collected. Despite the dangers, he continues to work because his family relies on him to secure part of their daily income. The region has witnessed painful incidents, with two of his peers injured due to the explosion of war remnants while searching for scrap and truffles.
Collecting scrap and truffles has become a popular profession among children in the area, as they can be seen moving alone or in groups searching for any source of livelihood. This profession has spread after the liberation of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces, where the specter of military confrontations has faded, prompting children to engage in these activities to secure their daily bread.
Background & Context
War remnants and landmines are among the most significant challenges facing civilians in Syria, with the Syrian government continuously warning about the dangers of these mines. The Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Saleh, indicated that Syria lives above a sea of mines, making it one of the most affected countries by this danger.
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the deaths of 3,799 civilians, including 1,000 children, have been documented due to landmine explosions and remnants of cluster munitions since 2011. These figures reflect the extent of suffering endured by civilians, especially children who bear the brunt of these dangers.
Impact & Consequences
Cases of injuries caused by war remnants are on the rise, with Dr. Mohammed Abdul Rahim, director of Ain Issa Hospital, confirming a noticeable increase in the number of cases. The majority of the injured are children, reflecting the magnitude of the risks that continue to threaten civilians. The available medical resources are limited, exacerbating the suffering of the injured.
Hospitals are recording cases of amputations due to landmine explosions amid a shortage of equipment and medical personnel. Additionally, the lack of logistical readiness poses a significant burden on hospitals' ability to handle these cases, as there is only one ambulance available.
Regional Significance
These conditions serve as a wake-up call for the international community, as the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria requires urgent action to protect civilians and provide necessary support. The continuation of this suffering reflects the failure to address the impacts of the ongoing conflict and underscores the need for efforts to find lasting solutions.
In conclusion, children in Raqqa remain victims of war remnants, striving to secure a livelihood under harsh conditions, which necessitates immediate international action to protect these children and provide them with the support they need.