ICRC Says Syrians Dying in Rural Areas for Lack of Medical Supplies

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced on Thursday that it is “appalled” by the recent developments in Syria, including last week’s reported use of chemical weapons and the ensuing escalation of events.

"The suffering of civilians in Syria has now reached unprecedented levels, and there appears to be no end in sight," said Magne Barth, the head of the ICRC’s delegation in the country, said in a released statement.

He detailed: “To date, more than 100,000 people have reportedly been killed, and hundreds more are dying on a daily basis or struggling through with their injuries. In addition, each and every day, hundreds of people are joining the millions of Syrians already displaced within the country or seeking refuge abroad.”

"Further escalation will likely trigger more displacement and add to humanitarian needs, which are already immense," Barth warned.

The local head of the ICRC pointed out that there are acute shortages of vital medical supplies, food and water in a number of areas that have been sealed off for months and to which the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have not been given access.

He elaborated. "In large parts of Rural Damascus for example, people are dying because they lack medical supplies and because there are not enough medical personnel to attend to them. They also go hungry because aid can’t get through to them on a regular basis."

Barth stressed that the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent “remain as committed as ever and are ready to respond to needs, wherever they are and whatever they may be, provided humanitarian work can take place and they are given unconditional access to all areas.”

The ICRC statement explained that under international humanitarian law, the parties to the conflict “must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded” passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.

It added: “They must also respect the right of all persons who are wounded or sick, whether fighters or civilians, to receive medical attention with the least possible delay.”

The statement also noted that “any use of chemical weapons by any party would constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”

“We urge all parties of the conflict to respect the absolute prohibition on the use of chemical weapons.”