UN Emergency Relief Coordinator concludes Syria visit: People in dire need must be able to move freely to seek safety, aid [EN/AR]

(Damascus, 17 August 2015) The United Nations Humanitarian Chief and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, concluded a three-day visit to Syria today, warning that this protracted conflict not only severely affects the lives of millions of people in Syria, but also threatens the stability of the region and beyond.

During the visit, ERC O’Brien visited Homs where he saw the impact of intense fighting and met families who had recently returned. “In Homs I saw with my own eyes inestimable human suffering. In the Old City, I saw the complete destruction of almost every home, beyond which lies the destruction of lives. Behind every window of every destroyed home, we must remember that there were people whose lives have been shattered, like the family of Ahmed with whom I sat to hear his harrowing story amid all this violence and destruction. Above all, he said he wanted peace in his country.”

Civilians have borne the brunt of this conflict for over four years. Over 220,000 people have been killed, more than a million injured and almost half of the population displaced. “Attacks on civilians are unlawful, unacceptable and must stop. I am particularly appalled about reports of yesterday’s airstrikes, causing scores of civilian deaths and hundreds injured, right in the centre of Douma, a besieged part of Damascus. I am horrified by the total disrespect for civilian life in this conflict. I appeal to each and every party to this protracted conflict to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law,” said Stephen O’Brien.

Due to cuts imposed by armed groups, at least five million people in Damascus have been without water for three days, the third time this year they have undergone this suffering. Elsewhere in Syria, two million people in Aleppo have also been deprived of their water supply for 17 days, while 300,000 people in Dara’a and surrounding villages have endured water cuts seven times this year. “It is unacceptable for those engaged in conflict to use access to water and other services as a weapon of war,” said USG O’Brien.

After meeting senior Government officials in Damascus, Stephen O’Brien said he had had constructive discussions on ways to strengthen humanitarian aid operations, and hoped that concrete steps would now be taken.

“The United Nations and our partners are providing assistance to millions of Syrians in need, including by crossing conflict lines and international borders. However, I remain extremely concerned for the welfare of the 4.6 million people stuck in hard-to-reach and besieged areas,” said Mr. O’Brien. “Freedom of movement for all people trying to flee the violence and conflict must be ensured by all parties.”

Stephen O’Brien expressed his admiration for the committed and courageous humanitarian workers who are staying and delivering despite the numerous challenges they face. Noting deep concern over the lack of funding for humanitarian operations in Syria and the region, which are less than 30 percent funded, he is calling on the international community to step up to the appeal for resources to fund the essential life-saving and protection work needed urgently across Syria.