Syria faces new humanitarian crisis as conflict escalates – UN official
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria (IICI) warned on Friday of Syria’s worsening crisis amid regional escalations, presenting its findings to the UN General Assembly.
In a statement, Paulo Pinheiro, Chair of the IICI, said that over 300,000 Syrian refugees, alongside more than 100,000 Lebanese nationals, have been forced to flee Israeli bombardments in Lebanon, seeking refuge in a war-torn Syria.
Pinheiro highlighted the dilemma these refugees face: escaping bombs in Lebanon only to face renewed risks in Syria.
Many women and children are traveling alone, with men often left behind due to risks of arbitrary arrest or forced recruitment, Pinheiro told member states.
The Commission reported abuses, arrests, and extortion against Syrians at checkpoints, calling on all forces to safeguard refugees’ rights. Pinheiro emphasized the need for unrestricted humanitarian access.
Despite some measures by the Syrian government to ease entry, safety concerns remain high across both government and non-government controlled areas.
Escalating violence from government-backed militias, Israeli airstrikes, and clashes between U.S. and Iran-backed groups have deepened the crisis, Pinheiro added.
Only a quarter of the U.N.’s 2024 humanitarian response plan for Syria is funded, leaving over 13 million people in dire need of aid. The Commission urged immediate international action to uphold humanitarian principles.