SAMS Alarmed by Heightened Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure in Northwest Syria

In addition to inflicting damage on the healthcare system, this recent escalation has also resulted in an unprecedented wave of displacement from areas in northern Hama and southern Idlib to areas further north, especially along the Turkish border. At least 326,000 people have been forced into displacement since April 26th. Many of them have been displaced more than once, including from Dara’a and East Ghouta. Of those displaced, only 103,000 have been able to find refuge in hosting sites for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The rest have been forced to seek shelter in informal sites with limited access to services or remain out in the open. Sanitation infrastructure is critically lacking in these areas; there are often no safe or private toilet facilities, and clean water supplies are limited. As the violence continues in northwestern Syria, it is unlikely that IDPs will return home in the foreseeable future, and they need access to basic shelter and sanitation services in the meantime.

Violence remains the root cause of suffering and displacement in northwestern Syria. Concerned states should undertake intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent further aggression and put an end to the indiscriminate and systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure. International humanitarian law must be adhered to, and parties to the conflict must refrain from targeting civilians and humanitarian infrastructure, especially medical facilities. In order to protect healthcare facilities, the UNOCHA-led deconfliction mechanism should be fully implemented and respected, including taking steps to investigate violations of the mechanism and publicly acknowledging allegations of attacks on health and humanitarian facilities. Finally, donors should mobilize emergency funding to support those newly displaced from the violence. The needs go further than simply providing tents and hygiene kits; a comprehensive response is needed to ensure that IDPs have adequate shelter, sanitation infrastructure and facilities, water, and food, as well as emergency medical care.

“The situation in Idlib continues to worsen by the day, yet the international community remains silent, or unwilling, to act to protect these vulnerable civilians. Attacks on hospitals and medical facilities are inexplicable and perpetrators need to be held accountable,” said Dr. Ahmad Tarakji, SAMS President. “For how long will we continue to see blatant violations of international humanitarian law go unanswered and ignored? The international community continues to fail the people of Syria.”