HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY FARHAN HAQ,
DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES MONDAY, 14 AUGUST 2017
(excerpt)
UN agencies are deeply concerned about the security and protection of the nearly 50,000 people – mainly women and children – who remain stranded at Syria’s southern border with Jordan in an area known as the berm. Air strikes have been reported in the area in the last few days, and the area is reported to be increasingly unsafe. Some people are reportedly attempting to leave the area, risking further danger and deprivation in an inhospitable desert location.
The situation for those who remain is worsened by the scarcity of services available in the area, especially food and healthcare. Some families in one part of the berm, Hadalat, where an estimated 4,000 people are living, are reportedly living solely on flour and water.
The UN is ready to continue supporting the Jordanian authorities, despite limited resources, for the protection of the affected Syrians who have been forced to leave their homes. UN agencies in Jordan are ready to immediately provide protection and additional life-saving assistance as needed. The UN calls on all parties to the conflict to take the necessary steps to prevent further harm to the frightened and highly vulnerable individuals stranded at the border.