Editor’s Note: This year we saw international diplomats try to work out political solutions for many of the Arab Spring countries. Meanwhile, humanitarians worked directly with the people impacted by conflict and natural disasters. Fabrizio Carboni is one of them. He is regional director for the Near and Middle East for the International Committee of the Red Cross. The news is difficult to take in. But solutions cannot come unless we understand the issues impacting people.
December 29, 2021–Fabrizio Carboni, regional director for the Near and Middle East for the International Committee of the Red Cross, discussed the major challenges faced by the Middle Eastern countries of Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iraq in 2021.
“What we see is that even if the devastating effect of fighting in the Middle East does not hit the headlines that often anymore, the consequences of conflict still need to be addressed,” Carboni said.
Often the focus in news stories is on political discsussions. Carboni and other humanitarians bring us back to what matters most: the people.
“At the political level, we see states increasingly talking to each other in the region, trying to find political solutions [and] open diplomatic channels between those states in order to address the crisis in the region. However, our teams on the ground see no difference for the people,” Carboni said.
Yemen: 7 Years of Conflict
In Yemen, all the basic services of the country are dysfunctional with a catastrophic increase in humanitarian aid as 80 percent of Yemen’s population in need of assistance, Carboni said
The continuous conflict in the country has rendered the healthcare system incapable of coping with conflict-induced casualties and basic healthcare requirements as hospitals and health centers struggle with a shortage of staff, drugs and other medical supplies.
Additionally, along with healthcare, it also threatens the lives and livelihoods of the citizens, their basic necessities such as water, food and education, and has resulted in the forced displacement of around 40,000 citizens in Ma’reb and 10,000 in Hodeida since September 2021.
Syria: 11 Years of Conflict
As temperatures drop, the conditions of the displaced persons living in camps become more vulnerable. Speaking on the Al-Hol camp of Syria, the Director noted the harsh conditions faced by children and adults. Family members, including children, have been separated during transfers to other camps or places of detention.
He urged the states to “repatriate their citizens” lawfully and as per the standards and principles, while the children in detention should either be reunited with the families residing in camps or be provided alternative care arrangements. Support should also be provided to “returning children, their extended family, school, and the authorities.”
Israel and the Occupied Territories of Palestine
Israel and the Gaza factions reported the most intense clashes in years between 10-21 May 2021. The situation continues to be critical with the imposition of restrictions on movements and goods affecting the reconstruction efforts. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has further deteriorated post clashes.
Citizens on both sides suffered psychological [what?] due to continuous violence in the state. With an increased threat to their safety, the mental health of citizens living near the Gaza border has been impacted. The failure to reach any lasting solution and the difficult living conditions of Gazans have also added to the frustration and hopelessness of the people of the Gaza faction.
“Many people, especially children, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder,” Carboni added.
Carboni asserted that respect for and compliance with international humanitarian laws would significantly reduce suffering on both sides. Furthermore, he said, it would help restore confidence and give people a chance for peaceful resolution.
Lebanon: Economic Crisis
The current situation in Lebanon added to the downfall of the country’s humanitarian condition. The economically and socially fragile groups of Lebanon have become more vulnerable in view of the unprecedented economic crisis, the impact of the COVID-19 and the 2020 Beirut explosion. The strain on the purchasing power of the people drastically impacted the refugee communities, “multiplying their pre-existing vulnerabilities in host communities who have themselves become more vulnerable.”
Resolving Covid-19
Carboni said more vaccinations are needed in conflict areas.
“The vaccination rates in Yemen are appallingly low,” Carbonia said. “About two percent of people have received at least one dose. In Syria, they are a bit better but still appallingly low, only about five percent.”
Donor Funds and Humanitarian Assistance
The ICRC is short of about $8 million funds it requires to carry all the humanitarian activities in Israel and the Occupied Territories in 2021. Meanwhile, in Iraq, it falls short of about $20 million.
The first quarter of 2022 will see the inauguration of the biggest physical rehabilitation center in Iraq and the biggest in the Middle East by the ICRC.
“The center in Erbil will include physiotherapy services, counseling for families, and a workshop for making Prosthetics.”
To see Carboni’s full report, go to https://media.un.org/en/asset/k16/k16qrjs09a or read his statement here.
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