United Nations agencies have regained limited access to Syrias Al Hol camp and resumed the delivery of essential supplies after days of disruption caused by a volatile security situation, the UN Deputy Spokesperson said on Friday.
A tense standoff between the Syrian Government and Kurdish-led forces in the countrys northeast risks igniting wider instability just as Syria struggles to emerge from years of conflict and authoritarian rule, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Thursday.
Briefing reporters in New York, Farhan Haqsaidthe UN refugee agency,UNHCR, was able to access the camp on Friday together with Syrian Government officials and establish contact with some residents. Essential supplies have also resumed.
Al Hol is one of the regions largest displacement sites, housing tens of thousands of people, mostly women and children, many with alleged family links to ISIL terrorist fighters.
UN agencies have long warned of dire humanitarian conditions there, including overcrowding, poor access to healthcare, water and sanitation, and persistent protection and security risks, while repeatedly urging durable solutions, including safe returns, reintegration and repatriation in line with international law.
Trucks carrying bread entered the camp today, facilitated by UNHCR, following a three-day interruption caused by the volatile security situation inside the camp, Mr. Haq said, adding that water trucks reached the camp on Thursday, helping to partially restore access to basic services for the camp population.
Al Hol camp, located in Syrias northeast, hosts tens of thousands of people, including internally displaced Syrians and family members of suspected former fighters.
UN agencies have long warned that insecurity, overcrowding and limited services leave residents many of them women and children in extremely vulnerable conditions.
UN agencies and aid partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Syrian authorities in delivering humanitarian assistance, while underscoring the critical need to ensure security inside the camp.
They also highlighted the importance of facilitating the movement of personnel and supplies between Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli.
Concerns in Aleppo
Beyond Al Hol, the situation in Kobani, in Aleppo Governorate, remains concerning.
According to the UN relief coordination office,OCHA, all roads connecting to the city are currently closed, while disruptions to electricity, water and internet services are hampering access to basic needs.
Partners have begun reporting shortages of food, essential items and medicines, although health facilities remain operational, Mr. Haq said.
