THE CRISIS IN YARMOUK CAMP
06 AUGUST 2014
Our spokesperson Chris Gunness has the following to say on the situation in Yarmouk Camp
"UNRWA distributed hygiene kits to 283 civilian families in Yarmouk on 6 August. This was the second consecutive day of distribution, following a break of eight days between 28 July and 4 August. Today’s distribution was halted when gunfire struck the staging area and clashes broke out in the vicinity of the distribution area, forcing the UNRWA team to evacuate in the late afternoon.
"Following a preliminary assessment mission by UNRWA security and operations staff earlier in the morning, the UNRWA distribution team arrived at the Bateekhah northern entrance at 11:30 and was permitted to enter Yarmouk at 12:30. Distribution commenced at 13:00 and proceeded in a calm and orderly manner until 15:15, when clashes broke out nearby. The UNRWA team immediately relocated to the Bateekhah northern entrance and departed the area at 15:25, returning safely to the Syria Field Office.
"UNRWA is deeply concerned that the recourse to armed violence has, for the second consecutive day, interrupted humanitarian operations in Yarmouk. The humanitarian situation in Yarmouk remains desperate and UNRWA appeals to all parties to do everything in their power to end the suffering of the over 18,000 civilians trapped there. The Agency will continue to seek from all sides conditions that enable UNRWA to offer a full range of humanitarian assistance and services inside Yarmouk on an uninterrupted, substantial and safe basis."
Document Type: Press Release, Statement, Update
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Country: Syria
Subject: Armed conflict, Food, Health, Humanitarian relief, Living conditions, Negotiations and agreements, Refugee camps, Refugees and displaced persons, Security issues
Publication Date: 06/08/2014