27 April 2014
Our spokesperson Chris Gunness has the following to say on the situation in Yarmouk Camp
"UNRWA distributed food parcels to 466 civilian families in Yarmouk on 27 April, the fourth day of distribution following 15 days of suspended access. An UNRWA team arrived at the Bateekhah northern entrance at 09:30 and was permitted to enter Yarmouk and begin distribution at 10:50. Despite the presence of large crowds of desperate civilians at the entrance to the distribution area, the operation proceeded in an orderly manner until 15:15, when the authorities signaled an end to the distribution process. Since the unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council of resolution 2139 on 22nd February calling for full humanitarian access, UNRWA has distributed 6,045 food parcels in Yarmouk.
"UNRWA acknowledges with gratitude the facilitation of Syrian authorities in today’s distribution. The Agency hopes that this opening, over the previous four days, will be sustained and expanded. It is particularly vital that UNRWA is permitted to increase the duration and scale of distributions in Yarmouk on a continuous, daily basis. UNRWA urges all concerned parties to continue to facilitate and support UNRWA's operations and to permit an expanded range of humanitarian assistance, particularly medical supplies, to enter Yarmouk. UNRWA stands ready to distribute in Yarmouk throughout daylight hours, seven days per week.
"UNRWA remains deeply concerned about the desperate humanitarian situation in Yarmouk and the fact that frequent disruptions of its humanitarian efforts deepen the plight of over 18,000 trapped civilians. To ensure that continuous, substantial and safe humanitarian access is indefinitely ensured, UNRWA demands that all parties cease hostilities and seek to resolve their differences exclusively by peaceful means."