Project profile — Supporting the Raqqa Mine Clearance Operation in Syria

This project aims to support the safe return of civilians to their homes and communities in the governorate of Raqqa in Syria. This is done by removing explosive devices that were placed in homes, schools and public areas by Daesh. The project works with local communities to identify at-risk sites and coordinate return efforts. Project activities include: (1) deploying explosive clearance teams, including an emergency explosive clearance team; (2) building the capacity of local clearance teams; (3) deploying community liaison teams to identify at-risk sites; and (4) geographic mapping of contaminated and cleared areas. The project is expected to clear at least 1, 592,000 square meters of land and survey it in support of returning populations in urban areas.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved physical safety conditions and access to livelihood, housing and the restoration of services for returnees, displaced people, in particular for women, adolescent girls and girls; (2) increase level of accurate information and increased awareness of the risk associated with landmines, booby-traps and unexploded ordnances for returnee, displaced people, in particular for women, adolescent girls and girls .

Results achieved as of the end of the project (March 2019) include: (1) I87,731 beneficiaries (60%) of which 1,293 women and 2,237 girls, from clearance activities were reached; (2) 27,272 beneficiaries of risk education sessions (of which 6,731 were women and 3,277 were girls); and (3) the number of m2 of land released: 3,908,734 m2 (246%) 1,218,164 m2 land through technical survey (249%) 2,690,570m2 through clearance (249%).