UN remains concerned about safety of civilians in Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria – SG Spokesperson’s noon briefing (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC,

 SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

TUESDAY, 7 APRIL 2015

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SYRIA: U.N. REMAINS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY OF CIVILIANS IN YARMOUK

• The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that the situation in the Yarmouk camp in Syria is evolving rapidly.

• UNRWA currently has no access to the camp and is unable to confirm the exact number of people who have managed to leave the area.

• However, it added that the situation remains extremely difficult for the remaining 18,000 civilians, most of whom are Palestinian refugees.

• UNRWA is looking into a mission to the area south of Yarmouk to assess the situation and determine how the agency can provide assistance.

• The UN continues to follow the situation in Yarmouk closely. It remains concerned about the safety and wellbeing of civilians in Yarmouk, and will do its utmost to support those displaced by the violence.      

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