A first relief convoy for Eastern Ghouta… It is not enough, says the ICRC
(B2) After multiple attempts to gain humanitarian access to Eastern Ghouta over the past few weeks, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was finally able to enter the town of Douma earlier today. Monday (March 5), as part of a humanitarian convoy organized jointly with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the United Nations, the humanitarian organization announced in a statement sent to B2.
A convoy of 46 trucks
The 46-truck convoy carried 5 food parcels for a month for more than 500 people (one parcel per family of five), as well as vital medical and surgical supplies such as dressing materials. " This convoy is a positive first step which will immediately alleviate the suffering of some of the civilians in the Eastern Ghouta region. But one convoy, no matter how large, will never be enough given the dire conditions and shortages the population faces. Continued humanitarian access must imperatively be guaranteed and more authorizations must be granted in the days and weeks to come insists Robert Mardini, ICRC director for the Near and Middle East.
An unacceptable situation
The ICRC had been unable to provide humanitarian aid in Eastern Ghouta since November 12 (read: The situation in Eastern Ghouta worries NGOs). " In recent weeks, many residents of Eastern Ghouta have died in intense fighting or lack of access to medical care. Seeking shelter from the continued shelling, families spent days and nights hiding in underground shelters, with little to eat. Syrian Arab Red Crescent hospitals, homes and facilities damaged and continue to be targeted ". " This situation is unacceptable “says the organization.
The minimum rules of the law of war flouted
The city of Damascus is not spared. " Many neighborhoods have come under mortar fire in recent weeks, killing and injuring civilians. "The ICRC asked" repeatedly to all actors in Syria to respect the law of war, which is currently ignored ". And the organization to launch a new appeal, imploring everyone to have a minimum of humanity. " We once again urge the parties to the conflict to take all possible precautions to spare and protect civilians ».
(updated 6.3) The UN High Commissioner for Refugees' representative in Syria claimed Monday evening that the convoy had to withdraw after nine hours of deliveries being made " in the middle of the bombardments “, according to AFP. A second convoy is scheduled for Thursday. In total, the UN has received the necessary authorizations to distribute aid for " 70.000 people ».
(NGV)
