Civilians in Eastern Ghouta are facing severe plight and are experiencing lack of food, medical, and other supplies. A group of leading NGOs expresses grave concern on the violence that has escalated in Syria in recent weeks and also over the plight of civilians. The organizations call on the parties, member states with influence over the parties to fulfill their humanitarian commitments as mandated through the humanitarian task force of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG).
Recently in November, to help the trapped civilians of Eastern Ghouta, only two humanitarian convoys entered the area and provided them with crucial life saving assistance as long as the siege continues. The most recent of which provided food baskets, flour, and medical supplies for 7,000 civilians.
According to Syrian humanitarian workers based in Eastern Ghouta, “Food, when available, is prohibitively expensive; fuel shortages and high prices will continue to increase as winter comes; access to drinking water is threatened; and cases of malnutrition are on the rise. Other local organizations have reported difficulties in procuring necessary goods and the increase in shelling and airstrikes has led to a suspension of their programs. This situation is exacerbating the impact on an already vulnerable population, specifically female-headed households, people with disabilities, children, and elderly people, and this is likely to worsen with winter fast approaching.”
According to UNICEF, “In Eastern Ghouta, 11.9% of children under five are acutely malnourished. This is the highest level that has been recorded in Syria since the conflict began. Over 400 people are awaiting urgent medical evacuation.”
In Eastern Ghouta, 400,000 civilians represent nearly 95% of the total besieged population in Syria, according to UN statistics. Parties must immediately allow unhindered humanitarian access and movement of civilians as well as ensure implementation of a credible and lasting ceasefire. They have the ability to avert further humanitarian catastrophe in Eastern Ghouta.