DRC Scaling Up Its HMA Response in Syria

As Syria continues its recovery from years of conflict, explosive ordnance remains a major threat to civilians and one of the main barriers to humanitarian access, safe returns, and durable solutions. With the ongoing effort to support affected communities, Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) is essential to reducing these risks, enabling communities to rebuild their lives, and supporting recovery efforts and long-term resilience. 

In response to these challenges, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Syria has scaled up its Humanitarian Mine Action response, establishing a comprehensive operational presence. Within less than one year, DRC established a dynamic HMA programme including operational bases, accredited Explosive Ordnance Disposal capacity, information management, medical support, quality management, and national capacity development. 

DRC adopts an integrated approach to HMA in Syria, which strengthens local systems, promotes community ownership, and delivers conflict-sensitive, evidence-based programming aligned with national recovery priorities. By enabling safe access to land, water, essential services, and markets, DRC reduces the risks of explosive ordnance while supporting more resilient communities. 

Moving forward, DRC continues to expand its operational footprint across Syria throughout 2026, increasing its capacity to reach more explosive ordnance-affected communities and respond effectively to evolving humanitarian needs, with operations across Rural Damascus, Daraa, Hama, Idlib, and Aleppo governorates. At the same time, DRC will continue to support the capacity development of national HMA actors, strengthen their institutional capabilities, and promote stronger national and local leadership. 

Read more about how DRC is supporting communities across Syria in the attached brief.