Goto main content

Idleb - The risk of a humanitarian disaster

Emergency
Syria

While a major military offensive on Idleb region is possibly under preparation, HI calls on parties to the conflict to spare civilians and allow full and unfettered humanitarian access.

While a major military offensive on Idleb region is possibly under preparation, HI calls on parties to the conflict to spare civilians and allow full and unfettered humanitarian access.  The number of Syrians forcibly displaced into Idleb from other areas in Syria has brought the population in this small pocket of the country up to 3.9 million people. Many civilians who have been displaced into Idleb have already endured intense bombing and offensives in Eastern Ghouta, Northern Rural Homs and South Syria in recent months. Displaced persons struggle to find adequate, affordable accommodation, and many live in overcrowded camps or informal settlements without any protection from airstrikes, no sanitation, no clean drinking water and a lack of basic services. Humanitarian personnel and particularly medical facilities provide crucial services for the population at this time and must be protected, and allowed to function. Moderate estimates are that at least 500,000 people will be forced to flee should an offensive be launched.

HI appeals to the international community to use its influence to urge parties to the conflict to stop bombing civilians and avoid a military offensive that would have deadly consequences for civilians. It is imperative that the international community support continued, coordinated humanitarian access to populations in need via the most direct routes.  

Jean-Pierre Delomier, Humanitarian Action Director  

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Fatou Thiam

USA

Mica BEVINGTON

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

“If I had stayed in my shelter, I would be dead now”
© HI
Emergency

“If I had stayed in my shelter, I would be dead now”

Cyclone Mocha hit Bangladesh and Myanmar on Sunday, 14 May. Our teams are currently assessing the damage and needs in Cox's Bazar refugee camps.

Cyclone Mocha may hit world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh
© Cyclocane.com
Emergency

Cyclone Mocha may hit world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh

Mocha may hit the border area of Bangladesh and Myanmar on sunday 14th May. Concerns are very high regarding Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, where 1 million Rohingya are living.

Demining in complex and dangerous environments, the example of Syria
© G. Toombs / HI
Explosive weapons

Demining in complex and dangerous environments, the example of Syria

In Raqqa, HI has been conducting underwater operations to locate, identify and remove explosive weapons. Thanks to these operations, the inhabitants now have access to drinking water again.