The Syrian Coalition’s Department of Foreign Affairs sent an urgent letter to the Syrian people’s friendly countries urging them to urgently respond to the needs of people being displaced from the Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta. The letter warned of dangers surrounding the fate of civilians in Douma as the Assad regime and Russia forces threatened to assault the town.
The letter, which was sent to 20 States, included a report that was prepared by the Syrian Interim Government and Assistance Coordination Unit detailing the essential needs of the people who are being displaced from eastern Ghouta. The letter called for the provision of urgent relief aid to be distributed by the Syrian Interim Government and Assistance Coordination Unit.
The Coalition warned that “the fate of 26,006 Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) and IDPs to Idlib governorate, hangs in the balance with increasing need of humanitarian aid and limited shelter capacity, according to the UN OCHA evacuations tracking report.
“The situation in Idlib governorate is of a deep concern, with displaced housed in overcrowded collective shelters, and due to the critical humanitarian needs, particularly in relation to protection, food, health, nutrition, NFIs (non-food items) and WASH (Water And Sanitation for Health).
The report also said that the people being displaced from eastern Ghouta were subjected to arrests, kidnappings, and summary executions. It said that videos and photos showed civilians being humiliated during the distribution of some life-saving items as they were forced to chant for Assad in return for drinking water.
“Indeed, the suffering of the Syrian people continues, and the situation on the ground is catastrophic due to the failure of the international community to stop the waves of mass forced displacements, to protect the civilians in their homes, and to implement the UNSC resolutions which endorsed the cessation of hostilities agreement and the unfettered aid access.”
The letter warned that “Idlib governorate hosts more than two million civilians. If any barbaric attack similar to the one that took place in Eastern Ghouta during the last two months occurs, there will be a genuine disastrous situation.” (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)