With $10 billion pledged for the Syrian refugee crisis and peace talks in limbo, humanitarian organizations are more eager than ever to bring much-needed relief to those suffering in and around Syria.
But with no clear diplomatic solution, aid remains locked out. Just before peace talks were due to begin in Geneva, Switzerland — the third attempt since 2012 — leaders of humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies called on governments and citizens around the world “to raise their voice and urge that all parties reach agreement on a ceasefire and a path to peace.”
The appeal urges “those with the ability to stop the suffering” to take action now and ensure unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian organizations inside Syria. It also advocates for unconditional, monitored cease-fires to allow food and other urgent assistance to be delivered to civilians, a cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, freedom of movement for all civilians, and the immediate lifting of all sieges by all parties.