Murderous sectarian clashes broke out in the South governorate, also known as AS-Sweida, in July and early August and children and families continue to feel the impact.
At least 22 children were reportedly killed and 21 others injured in violence, which caused significant damage to civil infrastructure. More than 190,000 people, mainly women and children, were forced to flee their homes.
The essential services have also been disrupted. At least five health centers have been struck, two doctors killed, while the ambulances were obstructed or attacked.
“A welcome stage”
Unicef The deputy representative of Syria, Zeinab Adam, described the situation as “tragic and deeply alarming”.
“Given the continuous needs of children and families affected, The increased efforts of the interim authorities to facilitate access to those who needed it were a welcome step” She said.
UNICEF was part of the first UN inter-aging convoy to Sweida which arrived at the end of July.
Adam said that the agency “delivered rescue supplies and had a rapid assessment on the ground to ensure a faster and stronger response to the growing crisis”. said.
Food and medicine shortages
The fighting caused critical damage to vital infrastructure, water, electricity and fuel. In addition, food, medicine and other essential elements remain rare due to continuous insecurity and access constraints.
In response, UNICEF has deployed 14 mobile health and nutrition teams. The teams have also provided vital health and nutrition supplies to more than 4,000 children and women, as well as drinking water and fuel for water pumping stations benefiting more than 30,000 people.
Call to access
“” To ensure an effective response, it is essential that humanitarian actors and commercial products have unhindered access To the most affected communities, ”said Adam.
“This will allow the immediate supply of basic social services, including food, water and other essential supplies, to those who need urgent.”
She added that “the facilitation of this access is not only vital for vital interventions, but also to restore a minimum level of stability and protection in these communities”.
Meanwhile, UNICEF remains on the ground in Sweida and will continue to plead for children there and through Syria.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
