On Friday, May 2, 2025, Ahmad Radwan al-Jarou, a child from the village of al-Suha in the eastern suburbs of Hama Governorate, was killed by the explosion of a cluster munitions remnant of a previous bombing by the Assad regime and Russian forces on the village. He was near his home in the village, which is under the control of the transitional government.
Legal Conclusions
- Weapon remnants continue to pose a grave threat to the lives of civilians, especially children, who may handle these objects without being aware of the dangers they pose. SNHR has previously issued several reports on cluster munitions and weapons remnants, warning of their far-reaching effects, which include not only death but also permanent injuries and physical disfigurement and psychological trauma.
- The use of these types of weapons in populated areas by the Assad regime forces and Russian forces over the past years constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction and proportionality, and entails legal responsibility.
- The continuing effects of these weapons after the conflict are an extension of previous violations, for which the parties that used them or left them uncleared bear primary responsibility, whether in terms of causation or negligence.
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in Article 6, guarantees the right to life, which includes protecting the population from residual threats that endanger their lives even in times of peace.
Recommendations by SNHR
- Organize and coordinate efforts to remove remnants of war scattered throughout the country, through a comprehensive national plan in partnership with specialized international organizations.
- Ensure victims’ rights to access compensation, treatment, and psychological care, especially for children and those permanently disabled as a result of these remnants.
- Identify contaminated areas, publish their maps publicly, and launch community awareness campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of explosive remnants of war.
- Cooperate with relevant international bodies, such as UNMAS and the ICRC, to develop technical and legislative standards for dealing with remnants of war.
- Supporting post-conflict Syrian efforts through funding, training, and equipment, ensuring the effective and comprehensive removal of all remnants of war.
- Providing legal and technical support to document the use of prohibited weapons by the parties involved, contributing to accountability and justice.
- Providing sustainable and direct funding for mine and remnants of war clearance programs and building permanent national technical capacity in this field.
- Supporting rehabilitation and long-term care programs for victims of these remnants of war, particularly in marginalized and most affected areas.
