Letter to the editor marking the tenth anniversary of the Syria conflict

Sir,

As we mark the tenth anniversary of conflict in Syria, civilians continue to endure unimaginable levels of suffering. What is especially heartbreakingis the impact on children who have suffered grave violation, who know nothing but war and who have been denied access to education.

Today,13 million Syrians are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, living in crowded camps or cramped and dangerous urban dwellings, both inside the country and in the wider region. They are exposed to harsh winters and intense summer heat. Water and sewage infrastructure is very poor, making basic hygiene such as hand washing during this time of Covid-19 difficult. An estimated three million people now have some form of disability or lifelong impairment due to a combination of hostilities and a health system shattered by years of war.

While the Irish government and the Irish public have been consistently generous in theirsupport of the aid effort, global humanitarian funding is not keeping pace with increasing need. Non-governmental organisations working inside Syria have an impossible task of reaching growing numbers of desperate people with limited assistance. Aid workers face enormous security challenges as Syria ranks first in the list of the most dangerous places to deliver humanitarian assistance. More than 400 aid workers have lost their lives in Syria since the conflict started.

The humanitarian situation is worsened by a surge in cases of Covid-19 and economic collapse, leading to high inflation and food and basic commodity price increases. 80 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line and 9.3 million people are dependent on food assistance. The displaced population is living with endless uncertainty over if,and when,the war will end,and they can return safely home.

Ireland, a newly elected member of the UN Security Council, is playing an influential role in efforts to resolve the crisis. An immediate priority for Ireland is ensuring humanitarian access is protected. With Norway, Ireland is leading on negotiations to renew the UN Security Council Resolution and prevent the closure ofthe only remaining UN access point for humanitarian aid from neighbouring Turkey into north-west Syria. This access point is a lifeline for over four million people many of whom depend solely on aid to survive.The deadline for the renewal of this resolution is July 10th 2021.

In addition, Ireland can show leadership in conflict resolution and peace building that is inclusive of all Syrians.

The people of Syria have endured enough. Ten years on,it is time for universal efforts to foster peace and to meanwhile ensure everything possible is done to reduce the suffering.

Yours

Niall McLoughlin, CEO, World Vision Ireland

Jim Clarken, CEO, Oxfam Ireland

Siobhan Walsh, CEO,GOAL

Dominic McSorley, CEO,Concern

Caoimhe De Barra, CEO, Trócaire