“The presidents of Iran, Russia, and Turkey will meet in Tehran to discuss the situation in Syria, and later in the day a similar discussion will take place, in New York at the United Nations Security Council. In both meetings, participants, some of whom are actively involved in the conflict, must ensure they work together to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights, protect civilians, including aid workers, and civilian infrastructure, and allow unimpeded access to humanitarian agencies,” the statement said.
“Aid agencies working in the governorate are already overwhelmed trying to provide shelter, food, water, schooling and healthcare across communities that have already doubled in size, having welcomed almost 1.5 million people displaced by the conflict. Many of those families arrived in Idlib having left areas previously retaken by Government forces, and with little more than the clothes on their back,” the statement added.
The statement assured that the most vulnerable who will pay the heaviest price, with women, children, and the elderly in Idlib unlikely to be able to move to safety. Healthcare facilities, schools, water sources and other vital infrastructure in Idlib have already sustained heavy damage in this conflict, and pushed aid workers to work in difficult circumstances. Additional airstrikes and bombings will push already stretched resources to the brink.
The statement stressed that in the event that aid organisations are forced to freeze their operations as a result of an offensive, vulnerable civilians will be left without vital humanitarian support. Meanwhile organisations operating from government-controlled areas currently lack access to Idlib and funding to meet the full range of humanitarian needs.
“It is vital that world leaders take this opportunity to work together on a diplomatic solution that can protect civilians from a major increase in violence,” The statement concluded.
The eight signatories are CARE International, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Humanity & Inclusion, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Save the Children, and World Vision.
Meanwhile, Oxfam is preparing to respond to any humanitarian emergency in Idlib, in the first instance by providing clean water, sanitation facilities, and items like blankets, clothes and soap. However, access for aid agencies has been limited throughout Syria’s seven-year war.
Oxfam’s Country Director in Syria, Moutaz Adham said: “It’s clear that the situation in Idlib is already dire. The population of Idlib has roughly doubled, as people have fled conflict elsewhere - putting an increased strain on water supplies, shelter, and other humanitarian support.
“We have seen the devastation caused by conflict time and again, in Aleppo, in Eastern Ghouta and in Dar’a. A major conflict in Idlib would result in a catastrophe unlike anything we have seen before. The international community simply must come together to find a solution to help those who are simply trying to survive, and prevent an escalation of violence on any side,” Adham added.
Idlib was named a de-escalation zone by Russia, Iran, and Turkey as part of agreements made at peace talks in the Khazak capital Astana.
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