UN: 3 Million Civilians in Danger in Idlib

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As three civilians lost their lives and 14 people, including two children, have been wounded in yesterday's attacks (August 21) in Idlib, Spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Stéphane Dujarric held a press conference and stated that three million people are at risk in the region.

Raising concerns over the escalating conflicts in Syria, the Spokesperson stated the following in brief:

'A new wave of human suffering is imminent'

"You will have seen that in a statement we issued yesterday evening, the Secretary-General said that he is deeply troubled by the continued escalation in north-west Syria and the prospect of an offensive deeper into Idlib, which could trigger a new wave of human suffering possibly impacting more than 3 million people.

"He strongly condemns continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including on health-care and educational facilities. He urges all parties to respect fully international humanitarian law.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent call for the September 2018 Memorandum of Understanding on Idlib to be upheld. He stresses the importance of advancing the UN-facilitated political process in Geneva, mandated by [Security Council] resolution 2254 (2015).

'Over 500 million people displaced in 4 months'

"And to the point on Syria, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that, yesterday, three civilians were reportedly killed and 14 others wounded, including two children, in clashes in Idlib.

"People continue to be displaced, with some 1,500 people living in northern Hama Governorate reportedly uprooted further northwards into Idlib Governorate yesterday.

"And between May 1 and August 18 of this year, 576,000 movements by displaced people have been recorded in the north‑west of the country. Many people have been displaced up to five times, with some having been forced to move as many as 10 times due to the ongoing fighting." (HA/SD)