Crisis in Syria

May 2012

Christian Aid is deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in Syria, and is continuing to monitor the humanitarian situation alongside our local partners in the Middle East region and via our international partners.

Background

Unrest in Syria began in March 2011, at a time when a number of Middle Eastern countries saw significant changes. Leaders were forced from office in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, and there was widespread political and social upheaval across the region.

In Syria, the government of Bashar al-Assad has held on to power. In the early months of 2012, there was a marked increase in the violence in a number of towns and cities as opposition groups resisted this.

Government forces have suppressed many forms of dissent, which has reportedly resulted in 9,000 civilian deaths according to the UN.

Following particularly high levels of bombardment by state security forces in cities such as Homs, the joint UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan brokered a ceasefire as part of a wider plan, which was timetabled to begin in mid-April.

Initially the Annan plan led to a reduction in the number and intensity of violent incidents, but important parts of the plan have also not yet been implemented, including the withdrawal of government troops from urban areas, allowing demonstrations to happen unimpeded and launching an inclusive political process.

There are also worrying signs that the ceasefire is being ignored, with an estimated 500 deaths since the agreement commenced, caused by violent incidents.

There have been reports of suicide bombings, including the targeting of security forces in Idlib in the north-west, and claims by activists that a rocket attack killed up to 70 civilians in Hama on 26 April.

Christian Aid is particularly concerned that the requirement in Annan’s plan for humanitarian access and assistance to all areas is not being upheld, and that it remains very difficult to verify humanitarian needs within Syria, and for local and international agencies to respond to them.

Christian Aid’s position

Christian Aid condemns the violence in Syria and calls for all sides to exercise great restraint, ensure civilians are not targeted and implement the Annan plan. The political disputes cannot be solved by military means.

The Annan plan is an opportunity to ensure that a peaceful transition from violence can be facilitated with support from the region. The process should remain Syrian-led as far as possible.

Christian Aid calls for increased international support for the implementation of the plan, particularly from countries in the region. There should be renewed diplomatic efforts to ensure the full implementation of the Annan plan.

While we do not have a direct programme in Syria, we are working with our partner organisations in neighbouring Lebanon and our sister agencies in the ACT Alliance to monitor the situation and assess whether there are needs we can help to meet.

It is difficult to verify the exact details of the situation in Syria, but so far we know that more than 12,000 people have crossed the border from Syria to Lebanon.

Many are living with extended family and the UN and other local and international organisations are providing assistance to those who require it.

Christian Aid continues to work with our partner organisations in the Middle East to tackle poverty and its causes through our long-term programme work.

At this difficult and uncertain time, Christian Aid calls on its supporters to keep the people of Syria in our thoughts and prayers.

A prayer for the people of Syria

Almighty and all powerful God, creator of the world and the nations
We bring before you all those caught up in the conflict in Syria.

We pray for an immediate ceasefire, for an end to violence against all civilians.
Give humanitarian organisations the space to assess the needs of those living in poverty and insecurity.

We pray for those who are experiencing the pain of personal loss, for families who are mourning the loss of loved ones
Comfort especially those who have friends and family members missing.

We pray for those caught up in the cycle of violence and bloodshed: give them a just peace.

We pray for those forced to flee their homes: keep them safe on their travels and arrival in foreign lands.

We pray for Christian Aid partners in neighbouring countries: guide them in their response to this situation.

We pray for those in positions of power who have the means to make a difference:
Guide the United Nations, and governments whose intervention might bring about peace.

We pray for the future of all countries where people have been willing to challenge unfair and unjust governments
We ask that the outcome will be a better future for all, and that the poor and marginalised will experience new lives of dignity and hope.

And we pray for ourselves, that we will not ignore their pleas for help
That we may play our part in bringing about the change that they want to see.

Amen.