Relief Committee reviews achievements, promises further urgent aid

DAMASCUS,(ST)_ High Relief Committee has reviewed on Wednesday what has been achieved in terms of providing shelters to affected people and means of delivering humanitarian aid to them.

SANA quoted Labour and Social Affairs Minister, Dr. Jasem Mohammad Zakaraya, who chairs the committee, as saying that Syria has opened new temporary shelters to host al-Yarmouk camp’s affected  people who recently  fled their homes.

As for food stuff, Zakaraya cited the Industrial Ministry’s initiative to meet affected peoples’ needs in this regards, adding the committee would inform the ministry about the required items and quantity after defining them .

Regarding means of delivering aid, State Minister for the Syrian Red Crescent , Jozef Swid, promised to draw up a clear mechanism within two days in cooperation with circles concerned to guarantee reach of humanitarian aid to defined places on time.

Another point about Social and psychological support was reviewed by the committee.

Chairwoman of Syrian Commission for Family Affairs, Dr. Ansaf Hamad, stressed that a training course on Social and psychological support has been completed to prepare trainers to implement the set programs in all shelters.

For his part, International Organizations Director at Foreign and Expatriates Ministry, Hussam Eddin Ala, said “Response plan has been completed through coordination with governmental circles and international organizations.

This plan is based on the UN relevant principles as regards distributing humanitarian aid and includes full respect for  country’s sovereignty and its unity.

Ala underscored that  the plan’s framework for distributing resources estimated at $520 mln is ready and covers all sectors, adding that it has been agreed to hold two workshops on mechanism of cooperation and coordination as well as training civil associations to implement the plan.

Concerning health sector, Dr. Ahmad Aboud, Health Ministry’s Representative, noted contacts for getting skeptical liver vaccine in fear if its spread in shelters, talking about services being offered to displaced babies and children.

The United Nations for Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) expressed readiness to help affected Palestinian families in al-Yarmouk Camp, according to the Syrian Red Crescent’s Director.

A new Aid Card for affected people  is being designed in a bid to be accredited to guarantee best services .

Martyrs’ families

In another context, Hama Governorate has honored 100 martyrs’ families in an appreciation for their role in foiling conspiracy notched against Syria. 

Anas al-Naem, Hama Governor, said the ceremony aims at expressing appreciation for the martyrs’ sons who responded to the call of duty and gave up their souls to protect Syria’s unity.

Basma Qaddour