JERUSALEM, May 3, 2015 (WAFA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency
said on Saturday it was increasingly alarmed about the safety of civilians in
Yarmouk, amid reports of armed clashes, the use of heavy weapons and air
strikes.
“Civilians
in the camp went through a night of extreme trauma and distress. We call on the
Syrian Government to refrain from using explosive weapons in populated areas,
including airborne weapons, whose indiscriminate effects expose civilians to
imminent danger and suffering. UNRWA is closely monitoring reports of
civilian fatalities and casualties,” said the UNRWA in a statement.
UNRWA
said it concerns were heightened since these events follow an earlier night of
heavy armed attacks on 27 April, which were condemned by the UN Secretary
General. “With families facing unspeakable suffering, we strongly appeal for
respect for civilian life and an end to any actions that might further
jeopardize the safety of civilians.”
Since the
upsurge of violence following the entry of particular armed groups
into Yarmouk on 1 April, civilians have faced increased threats and trauma
on an epic scale. Thousands have fled the camp and escalating violence to
neighboring areas of Damascus where UNRWA teams have been providing
critical humanitarian assistance to them.
UNRWA has
repeatedly expressed strong concern for the security of civilians and has
demanded access to those civilians who remain inside Yarmouk.
It
demanded that all armed actors protect civilians in accordance with their
obligations under international law, and urged all those with influence over
the relevant parties, including armed groups in the camp, to demand that they
fully comply with their obligations in relation to the protection of all
civilians.
“UNRWA will
continue to monitor the situation in Yarmouk closely. At the heart of our
mandate is the plight of Palestine refugees. The tragedy of Yarmouk is a
reminder of the need always to ensure that Palestine refugees are supported and
protected wherever they may be,” concluded the statement.
M.N./T.R.
