Syria:Two Years, Too Long: Key Recommendations for Easing the Suffering of the Syrian People

In response to the situation in Syria, Islamic Relief proposes the following key recommendations in order to alleviate the human suffering:

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should redouble its efforts in tackling the crisis, ensuring greater protection for civilians, with appropriate measures if parties fail to comply with resolutions.
• We believe that the UNSC and leading UN members should commit themselves to the negotiation of humanitarian corridors and cross-border operations for the unhindered delivery of aid inside Syria. This should be complemented by a mandate extension allowing cross-lines assistance for all Damascus based aid agencies so that they are permitted to deliver aid to all areas inside Syria.
• Aid agencies should prioritise the most pressing needs identified by those working on the ground, such as medical aid, food and shelter – for the people inside Syria as well as for those who have fled to neighbouring countries.
• More funds and programmes should be made available to provide counselling and psychosocial support for traumatised children and the elderly, with more research and resources allocated to validate and address the reported rise in incidences of sexual and genderbased violence.
• All parties in the conflict to uphold international humanitarian standards.
• Internally displaced Syrian civilians and refugees in neighbouring countries must be adequately supported by the international community. Funding, resources and support for those affected by the conflict have been woefully inadequate.
• All governments hosting Syrian refugees (principally Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt) should guarantee international rights for refugees and provide improved services for Syrian refugees fleeing the violence.
• All the above actions must continue to be enforced in any post-conflict scenario, where still applicable.