Save the Children Statement on Military Action in Syria

In response to US troop withdrawal from Syria and possible Turkish military action, Sonia Khush, Save the Children Syria Response Director said:
“We are deeply concerned for the hundreds of thousands of people present in North East Syria, and we urge all military parties on the ground to ensure that operations do not impact civilians who could face widespread displacement or have their movements restricted.

“Currently, there are 1.65 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in this area, including more than 650,000 displaced by war. All essential services including food, water, shelter, health, education, and protection must be consistently provided to all civilians, or we could see another humanitarian disaster unfold before our eyes.

“In addition to the Syrian civilians in the North East, there are thousands of women and children living in camps across the area. There are more than 9,000 children from more than 40 different nationalities, from every region in the world, in three camps who rely completely and exclusively on humanitarian aid. Any interruption to camp services, which are already overstretched, would put their lives at risk.

“The reports of imminent military operations and troops already sent to the border are deeply troubling. We call on foreign governments to take urgent steps to move the children and women in the camps to safety, with a view to repatriating them before access becomes even more unpredictable.

“We call on all parties to ensure that all children and their families across North East Syria are protected.”

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.