Clearing the Way to Recovery in Northeast Syria

With support from UK International Development, DCA clears explosives from land and restores safety to schools and farms across Northeast Syria.

DCA Syria

The Issue

Years of conflict left Northeast Syria among the world’s most explosive-contaminated regions. Landmines and unexploded bombs still threaten lives and prevent families from returning home.

More than 740 hazardous areas remain dangerous¹, blocking farmers from cultivating their fields and keeping children away from school. In places like Abu Jadi and Al-Adnaniah, what were once productive lands and learning spaces became deadly traps.

Our communities have faced so many challenges, but restoring education is the best way to rebuild our future
Mohammed, headteacher of Al-Adnaniah School

Without clearance, safety, livelihoods, and hope remain out of reach.

The Project

With funding from UK International Development, DCA is clearing explosive hazards and helping communities recover through the Supporting Early Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods for Conflict-Affected Communities in Northeast Syria project.

The project links mine clearance, risk education, and livelihood support. DCA teams clear farmlands and community spaces, support farmers with modern techniques, and help families rebuild their sources of income.

In towns, cleared schools and buildings are rehabilitated, while vocational training and start-up support empower women and youth to launch small businesses.

Clearance team conducting manual and Mechanical area clearance in Al-Hammam field, Ar-Raqqa Countryside. Aug 18th, 2025.

The Change

In Ar-Raqqa Governorate, DCA’s clearance team made it safe for farmers to return to their fields.

The land is safe and that means everything
Mohammed, one of the residents

In Al-Adnaniah, DCA cleared explosives from the school and handed it over the shelter team for rehabilitation, so that soon around 200 students can safely return to their classrooms.

Each cleared site restores not just safety, but dignity and opportunity for families across Northeast Syria.

Impact

By the end of the project, DCA and its partners would have:

Cleared over 120,000 m² of land and infrastructure

Delivered risk education to 4,500 people

Trained 60 (30 Male – 30 Female) Community Focal Points to share safety messages with their peers and communities.

Supported over 100 farmers with seeds and irrigation systems

Trained 70 people in business skills and provided start-up kits

Established 9 community greenhouses for 36 farmers

Each cleared site is a step toward safety, livelihoods, and resilience.

Partners

Roj Mine Control Organization (RMCO):
A non-profit organization dedicated to humanitarian demining and risk education in North and East Syria. It’s the only local demining organization which works over North and East Syria since it was founded in late 2016. 

Dan for Relief and Development (DRD):
A national NGO established in 2013, DRD supports displaced and vulnerable communities through relief, education, and livelihood programs in Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hasakah.