Syrian civilians face ‘daily nightmare’ in Idlib
Following a sharp escalation of hostilities in southern Idlib, “at least 300,000 civilians have fled their homes” since mid-December, the UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria crisis said on Tuesday, voicing concern for their well-being.
“I am alarmed at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Idlib, northwest Syria, where over three million civilians remain trapped in a war zone – the vast majority of them women and children”, Mark Cutts said.
The downward spiraling situation is occurring in bitter winter temperatures that pose further risks to those who fled with little more than the clothes on their backs. Moreover, many are currently living in tents and makeshift shelters, exposed to the elements in inhospitable places.
This latest wave of displacement “compounds an already dire situation in Idlib – a densely populated governorate already hosting displaced people from all over Syria”, informed the official from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
“Every day we receive more disturbing reports of families caught up in the violence, seeking refuge and access to essential services in overcrowded camps and urban areas”, he continued, adding that many are sheltering in schools, mosques and other public buildings. In tandem, critical shortages of food, shelter, health and other basic survival services are being reported across Idleb.
And humanitarian organizations are struggling to cope with the increased needs. According to Mr. Cutts, “at least 13 health facilities in Idlib have recently been forced to suspend their operations due to the security situation”, exacerbating the suffering of the local population and heightening levels of vulnerability.
“This is but one example of the daily nightmare being faced by the civilian population of Idleb”, Mr. Cutts spelled out. “Airstrikes and shelling are now taking place in many towns and villages on a near daily basis”, he lamented.
[UN News]
This entry was posted in Humanitarian Aid, International Cooperation by Grant Montgomery.