Joint Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Mr Adam Abdelmoula, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Mr Muhannad Hadi, on the strike on the Mehkan water station, Deir-ez-Zor

Damascus and Amman, 27 September 2023 – We are deeply alarmed over the recent strike that damaged the Mehkan water station in Deir-ez-Zor.

On 25 September, the Mehkan water station was reportedly damaged in an attack, rendering it out of service. The attack occurred as a new resurgence of hostilities was reported in Deir-ez- Zor on 25 September, following a period of relative calm. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 23 civilians were killed and many more injured between late August and early September.

As a result of the damage to the water station, 17,000 people, including those who had been formerly displaced to the area following the previous round of hostilities, are without access to drinking water.

The UN in Syria calls on all parties to take necessary precautions to avoid damaging civilian infrastructure and to take appropriate measures to ensure civilians are protected from harm in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. Depriving vulnerable people of a safe water source endangers their wellbeing and health and further exacerbates a cholera outbreak.

The humanitarian community continues to prioritize emergency assistance on the ground.

The UN in Syria reminds all parties that all people, everywhere, have the right to safe and clean water, and to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.