Attack on displacement camp in Idleb, northern Syria ‐ disturbing low, but not the first attack

May 6, 2016 — In response to yesterday's attack, the International Rescue Committee Turkey's deputy director of programs, Meghan Garrity, who oversees the IRC's aid efforts in northern Syria, said:

"The killing of innocent people in a place where they had hoped to find safety is abhorrent. This is a disturbing new low in a war that has already shocked the world with routine attacks against hospitals, schools and bakeries. And it’s not the first such attack: The IRC is aware of seven other displacement camps that have been hit by airstrikes or indirect fire since March. IRC aid workers provide clean water to 57 displacement camps across Idleb province and are deeply concerned about the safety of the 40,000 people we reach each day. There must be an end to the targeting of civilians, and renewed efforts to find a political solution that will bring this conflict to an end."

In addition to providing clean water and sanitation to 40,000 people living in 57 displacement camps in Idleb province, the IRC supports schools and health clinics, as well as addressing both the economic impact of being displaced in Syria and the impact of the Syrian crisis on the local host economy. The IRC currently operates two livelihoods centers inside Idleb to help vulnerable households build short and long‐term skills and income.