Handicap International Urges Swift Action Following Security Council Statement on Humanitarian Aid Access to Syria
Handicap International and a coalition of international organisations [1] welcome today’s unanimous statement by the UN Security Council, which calls on all parties to the Syrian conflict to facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians throughout the country.
Millions of Syrians live under siege-like conditions, trapped without access to food, water, medical care, and protection from violence. Half of those affected are children who are particularly vulnerable to hunger and disease, especially as winter approaches. Those with injuries risk developing permanent disabilities, and require immediate and unfettered access to the care and support they require.
Every day, Handicap International teams respond to the intense needs of the injured, disabled and elderly, both within Syria and in neighboring countries. To meet these needs, humanitarian aid must flow in the most efficient ways possible, including across Syria’s international borders and across conflict lines within the country, as stated in the Security Council communication. Humanitarian activities based in the capital of Damascus reach only a portion of the needs. For those who are still trapped in several areas inside Syria, cross-border activities often remain the only way to get support.
“With this statement, there should be no further quarrel on the legality of cross-border activities, an argument which, until today, has prevented the adequate scaling up of humanitarian support to Syrian civilians”, said Aleema Shivji, Director of Handicap International UK.
It is now time that the UN Security Council show its resolve by immediately translating its words into action. The Syrian people have suffered for far too long, waiting not only for the delivery of substantial aid but also the coordinated expression of international indignation and outrage at the suffering they have experienced. The success will be measured solely by tangible improvements for Syria’s civilian population and for those who are seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
Together with cross border and cross conflict lines activities, reliance on Syrian civil society organisations and self-help groups is key for an effective and efficient assistance, and for the consistency of response to humanitarian needs in Syria in the mid to long term. With that in mind, Handicap International urges the international community and donors to refrain from delaying aid due to the socio-political context.
Concrete results must come quickly. Syria’s civilian population has no time to lose. Security Council members must now monitor progress to ensure full implementation of the statement of demands.
Notes
[1] ACTED – CAFOD - Christian Aid – Doctors of the World USA - Doctors of the World UK -Handicap International - International Rescue Committee (IRC) -Islamic Relief Worldwide - Médecins du Monde France (MDM) -Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) - People in Need (PIN) - Refugees International - Save the Children – Tearfund - War Child UK - World Vision International
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About Handicap International
Co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Handicap International is an international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations in over 60 countries worldwide, we take action and raise awareness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.
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