Rising Conflicts in Syria Deeply Worry Humanitarian Organizations: UN
Click to start listening
United Nations, Dec 6 (NationPress) UN humanitarians have expressed serious concern regarding the escalating violence in northwest Syria.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that local authorities have noted tens of thousands of displaced families in Hama, with some individuals fleeing to Homs.
Hama has become a refuge for those escaping clashes in and around Idleb and Aleppo. Currently, there are reports of intense fighting in Homs, according to the Xinhua news agency.
OCHA stated that prior to the outbreak of hostilities, it had collaborated with humanitarian partners in Hama to deliver relief, including health support and essential supplies, to the newly displaced populace. Approximately 3,000 families have sought refuge in Homs.
The office emphasized that its colleagues and partners continue to extend support to those displaced by the violence whenever feasible.
David Carden, the deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis, led a UN cross-border mission to Idlib to evaluate the situation alongside other humanitarians from the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Department of Safety and Security.
The team visited a reception center in Dana accommodating dozens of families recently displaced by the violence and interacted with families who had fled their homes in western Aleppo, as reported by OCHA. During their visit, UNHCR and a local partner supplied mattresses, blankets, cooking materials, and other essentials.
"Individuals at the reception center are in urgent need of water and sanitation support, as well as heating materials," OCHA stated.
Carden and the UN team also toured the Sham Surgical Hospital, which is currently treating patients injured in recent attacks. From November 27 to December 2, the hospital delivered life-saving care to over 200 individuals.
WHO reported that it has provided medical supplies to the hospital, including trauma kits, while health workers are currently working without pay due to insufficient funding.
OCHA indicated that since the escalation of violence began last week, over 30 health facilities in northwest Syria have closed, placing tremendous pressure on the remaining operational hospitals.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has ramped up its efforts to assist those affected by the conflict. The agency reported that it is supplying ready-to-eat rations and hot meals and has served more than 10,700 individuals.
OCHA mentioned that the hot meals initiative is being expanded with the assistance of partners. One WFP-supported kitchen commenced operations in Aleppo on Tuesday, with another now functional in Homs.
WFP provides food supplies to displaced populations on both sides of the front lines. The agency is negotiating safe supply corridors to enable a swift and substantial response to those in need.
