PRESS RELEASE: Catastrophe Imminent if Aid Does Not Reach Al Rukban Camp
Geneva, Switzerland -
UOSSM calls for the immediate delivery of food, water and medical aid to the Al Rukban refugee camp. The Rukban camp, located in south eastern Syria on the border of Jordan and Iraq, houses roughly 55,000 IDPs based on UN estimates. Aid has been blocked from reaching the camp since January 2018 and has reached a critical state.
According to community workers, on the 8th of October in less than 24 hours, two newborns died in the camp. 4-month-old Huda Raslan died from malnutrition and a lack of medical access. Munaf Al Mahmoud, a one year old baby died due to the lack of adequate medical care. The entire population is suffering from severe malnutrition and 15 people have died from preventable conditions in October alone. 150 patients currently require urgent medical attention.
“It is barbaric and illegal under international law to deny these civilians aid. Children are facing horrific malnutrition and are drinking contaminated water.” Said Dr. Hussam Al Fakir, Chairman of UOSSM Intl. and Canadian Dentist. He added “Pregnant women are giving birth in the desert without even the most basic medical care. Those that desperately need cesarean sections have not been allowed to leave the camp and are in a perilous situation. We cannot wait another minute to send aid to Al Rukban.”
