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Leaders of international organisations at the Doha Forum 2014 yesterday demanded that the warring factions in Syria make clear commitments to adhere to humanitarian laws to ensure the rights and security of tens of thousands of people affected due to the civil war in that country.
They also suggested that there should be new ways to deal with the besieged people in the conflict ridden areas.
Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Human Security in light of Conflicts and Crises’ Magne Barth, deputy director of operations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said that ICRC was deeply concerned about the catastrophic events taking place in Syria.
He said: “The crisis is staggering, human needs are enormous and the response is insufficient. The international humanitarian laws are violated in many parts of the country by both the parties.
“With most of the population directly or indirectly affected by the situation, the escalation in violence creates worse security conditions for civilians. Therefore, we appeal to all parties to uphold the international humanitarian laws.”
The ICRC official said that tens of thousands were affected in the besieged areas. “People in these areas are denied independent and impartial humanitarian assistance, especially medical assistance. Health needs and health services are moderate in government held areas and critical in opposition held areas.”
Barth said that the lack of security in Syria had seriously affected the ability to help people in need. “ICRC is engaged in dialogue with government and opposition groups for the safety and security of the aid workers. There have many abductions and deaths of volunteers. We need to guarantee the safety of all the aid workers. Syria and its people are going through a terribly turbulent situation. We challenge everyone to adhere to humanitarian laws for the safety and security of the Syrian people.”
Baroness Scotland of Asthal, member of the House of Lords and former attorney general, the UK said that human security has been at risk at these conflict ridden areas. She added that such situation has made millions flee from Syria and create violations of human rights in the country.
She commented: “Human security has been at risk in the country. Lack of confidence by the international community and the inability to adopt decisive measures contributed to the escalating conflicts in Syria.”
She further suggested that conflict ridden areas need special attention of the international community. “We should think of the security and rights of these people and look at new measures. There should be a new way to deal with the besieged people in such areas,” she added.
