ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

July 2019 – Humanitarian needs stemming from the crises in Syria and Iraq remain significant throughout the Middle East. Continued violence in Syria raises little prospects for the voluntary, safe, sustainable and dignified return of over 5.6 million refugees in the region. Internally displaced persons range in the millions in Syria and Iraq, and humanitarian needs are acute for refugees facing protracted displacement in Jordan and Lebanon. With the support of GAC and other donors, the ICRC’s humanitarian operations in Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon aim to provide protection, emergency relief, and other essential services to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, as well as to promote respect for international humanitarian law. Project activities include: (1) providing medical care, access to water and sanitation facilities, food assistance and livelihoods support; (2) providing Red Cross/Red Crescent National Societies with technical expertise to strengthen their capacity in areas such as promoting international humanitarian law, restoring family links, and delivering relief in situations of armed conflict and violence; and (3) ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected in the treatment of civilians not taking part in hostilities, as well as for detainees.