(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Two UN officials have stressed the importance of aid-pledging talks due to be held in Kuwait for "the largest displacement crisis in the world" in Syria.
"The plight of Syrians will get worse unless we get access to people in need and invest in shoring up Syrian livelihoods and resilience," they said in a joint statement.
The statement, issued by Yacoub El Hillo, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria and Kevin Kennedy, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, described the conflict which began in March 2011 as "one of the world's worst humanitarian catastrophes of our generation.
"On the 31st of March, the international community will once again gather in Kuwait for the third pledging conference. We will ask for the support of our donors to enable us to continue finding ways to support the Syrian people and the host communities, whose resources have been stretched to the maximum," they added.
"With every passing year, Syria has delivered unprecedented levels of tragedy," it said. "The warring parties may not have stopped the killing, but the humanitarian community has been in Syria trying to afford assistance to civilians where it can.
"Nearly half of all Syrians have been forced from their homes - 7.6 million have been internally displaced and 3.9 million have fled to neighbouring countries - making this the largest displacement crisis in the world," they added.
They went on to call for a political solution to the ongoing crisis which has entered a fifth year. "But at the same time, we need to re-focus attention to the plight of the victims, ensure greater access to those in need and proactively explore ways to strengthen the coping mechanisms of the Syrian people to prevent further displacement and suffering.
"As humanitarians, we are dedicated to saving lives, alleviating suffering and preserving the dignity of those in need. Against great odds and at great risk to their lives, humanitarians are doing what they can to hold the line in Syria and protect the country's social fabric.
Amid their humanitarian efforts the officials noted to the "great cost" of losing 72 humanitarian workers, including 42 from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
They also noted to the great difficulties in reaching remote areas within Syria which are being "hampered by insecurity and a profound lack of respect for the principles of international humanitarian law.
"It is unacceptable that 440,000 people suffer the daily misery of living under siege. Parties to the conflict must urgently do more to facilitate access to civilians in line with their obligations under international law and Security Council Resolutions 2139, 2165 and 2191," underlined the statement.
Humanitarian efforts must remain focused on "ensuring that life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches all Syrians in need, especially those in besieged areas where the needs are highest." The statement also pointed to the need to "meaningfully shore up livelihoods and basic services such as health, education and water wherever possible through longer term interventions.
"The humanitarian community is committed to continue working in support of Syrians in need as they continue to carry the brunt of this conflict. Humanitarian action will continue to save lives and sustain communities but will not solve the root cause of this conflict. The solution must be a political one and must come fast," concluded the statement."
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