UN humanitarian chief welcomes Security Council presidential statement, urges real action [EN/AR]

(New York, 2 October 2013) I welcome the statement by the President of the United Nations Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria. As the number of those dying, displaced and fleeing the country continues to rise we need the whole international community to come together to bring an end to this crisis.

I and my colleagues in the humanitarian and human rights fields have called many times over the past two and a half years for unhindered access to help us get aid to people in desperate need; for the warring parties to protect civilians from fighting and violence; and for increased support to the millions of families who have fled to neighbouring countries.

This consensus statement clearly calls on all parties to do their utmost to end the violence and stop targeting civilians. It also reminds them that they must facilitate the swift provision of vital humanitarian aid and that there are serious consequences for violating international humanitarian and human rights law.

Our task now is to turn these strong words into meaningful action for the children, women and men who continue to be the victims of the brutality and violence.

Ultimately the international community must find a lasting political solution to end the suffering of ordinary Syrians.