Red Cross movement closely monitors recent developments in Syria

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders and the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are closely monitoring recent events and the humanitarian situation in Syria. Facing 13 years of continuous violence, hit by a devastating earthquake in 2023 and having to live with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the Syrian people are once again experiencing tremendous pressure from recent developments.

Due to the succession of crises, it is estimated that some 15 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is doing life-saving work there, and that work continues unabated. Local chapters and volunteers across the country distribute food, water and other basic necessities; they provide health care and support hospitals there. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is responding where possible and exploring ways to scale up the relief effort.

"Belgian Red Cross-Flanders and the Red Cross Movement call for medical and humanitarian workers to be guaranteed safe and unhindered access. Civilians must be protected under international humanitarian law (IHL) and obligations under IHL must be respected at all times," said Marijke Peys, head of IHL at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders.