Attachments
The Northeast Syria (NES) NGO Forum calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease all hostilities in Northeast Syria. Strikes witnessed in the past 48 hours have had severe impacts for humanitarian staff and operations, and for civilians, and will negatively impact the delivery of humanitarian aid in Northeast Syria.
On 10 December, one NGO-supported ambulance was struck along the Srin-Tishreen road, east of the Euphrates River, killing an NGO partner-supported health worker. On 11 December, a drone detonated mid-air above an NGO-supported education facility in Raqqa City. During the incident, educational activities were underway, and staff were engaged in sessions with children. Fortunately no staff or children were hurt, however, debris reportedly rained down onto the facility, and the center was immediately evacuated. Other NGOs in the area also suspended non-formal education services as a precautionary measure and activities suspended as of 12 December.
These incidents come on the heels of reports that at least nine health facilities in NES were looted and vandalised since 08 December, including seven Primary Care Centers (PHC) and one emergency operations centres in Ar Raqqa, Ath Thawrah, A'zaz and Menbij. Facilities were destroyed, and pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, medical and non-medical equipment and furniture were stolen. Four ambulances were reported to have been stolen including three from the Emergency Management Coordination Center, and one from the PHC. Disruptions to critical healthcare services leave vulnerable populations without access to immediate and life-saving medical care, especially in locations with active fighting. If the disruption of healthcare services continues, it will have an immediate impact on life-saving activities, and medium and long-term consequences on patients who were in the middle of their treatment for chronic diseases.
The NES NGO Forum urges all parties to adhere to the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), which provide the protection of civilian lives, as well as respect for and protection of humanitarian relief personnel. All parties to a conflict, be it international or non-international in nature, have the obligation to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. The NES NGO Forum calls on the international community and on all parties to the conflict to take immediate action to seek the cessation of hostilities, prevent further violations of international law, and enable humanitarian actors to provide necessary assistance for the growing needs of people in Northeast Syria.