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Further to my previous updates, I
would like to inform you that the Government-led humanitarian
assessment in Syria was concluded on 26 March, as anticipated.
Technical staff from eight United
Nations agencies participated in the assessment, as well as three
staff from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The
assessment team visited Aleppo, Ar Roqqa, Dara’a, Dayr Az Zor,
Hama, Horns, Idlib, Lattakia, Rural Damascus and Tartous
Governorates. Information was gathered from civilians, Government
authorities, religious and local community leaders from all political
views, representatives of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and
local NGOs. While some areas could not be accessed due to ongoing
insecurity or time constraints, United Nations and OIC staff were
able to visit opposition held neighbourhoods on several occasions
during the assessment.
Thejoint analysis of the United
Nations and the OIC, which the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator has
already shared with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic,
indicates that at least one million Syrians are in need of
humanitarian assistance across the govcrnorates visited by the
mission. Those in need include people directly affected by the
violence, who were injured or displaced and lost access to essential
services, as well the families hosting them. It also includes people
whose vulnerability has increased considerably during the past year
due to the impact of violence. It may be months, perhaps years,
before the situation retums to normal, regardless of any political or
security developments.
The mission did not look into the
situation of about 600,000 mainly Iraqi and Palestinian registered
refugees, or migrant workers in Syria. However, should the security
and economic environment deteriorate further, it is clear that the
situation of these already vulnerable people will become even more
precarious.
While more in-depth sectoral
assessments and monitoring will be required in the coming period,
priority needs identified during the assessment include food, medical
assistance, non-food items (N Fls), education and protection.
In line with the conditions of the
United Nations participation in this assessment, following a request
by the Humanitarian Coordinator, the Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic approved the delivery of
assistance, as long as it is coordinated with the SARC. An initial
convoy carrying food, NFls, and hygiene kits for 2,000 displaced
families leit Damascus for Tartous Governorate on 28 March.
Distributions are expected to begin on 30 March and further
distributions are planned in other locations.
It
is already clear that the limited capacity currently available in
Syria will not be sufficient to address all the needs identified
during the assessment. I have therefore asked the Regional
Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Radhouane Nouicer, to facilitate
coordination and leadership in Syria following the departure of the
current Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. In particular, he will
coordinate with the Syrian authorities the strengthening of
humanitarian operations in Syria. In the meantime, United Nations
agencies will pre-position relief items and establish steady
pipelines. A response plan that captures our planned activities in
Syria and in neighbouring countries will be finalized and shared with
you shortly. I would encourage you to contribute to the newly
established Emergency Response Fund so that response activities can
start immediately.
Finally, it remains important that
humanitarian efforts remain completely separate from any political
agenda. The United Nations agencies will continue to ensure the
neutrality, independence and impartiality of their action throughout
the response.
Please
accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Valerie
Amos
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs
and Emergency
Relief Coordinator
Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab
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