Minister Sherlock calls for an end to war crimes in Syria
Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North South Co-operation Seán Sherlock TD, has called for an immediate and full end to the denial of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Syria.
Nearly 400,000 Syrians are living in fifteen besieged locations without access to life-saving aid. Reports suggest, for example, that up to 42,000 people remain in the city of Madaya, which has been besieged for more than five months. Humanitarian access is hampered by the ongoing five-year conflict in Syria, and freedom of movement is restricted by armed actors and landmines.
Minister of State Sherlock stated “Starvation of civilians is reprehensible. Ireland’s humanitarian partners in the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, the UN and WFP left Damascus on Monday and delivered humanitarian aid to the civilian populations of Madaya, Foua and Kafraya, which have been besieged for months.
“Ireland’s commitment to the people of Syria remains a priority. Since the beginning of this crisis, we have provided over €42 million of humanitarian assistance to relieve suffering within Syria and the neighbouring countries.
“Ireland will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria. In 2015, over €13m was provided through our UN, NGO and Red Cross partners and it is intended to exceed this figure during 2016.”