Declaration of the Council of the Syrian Charter, for immediate release

9 December 2021

With the harsh winter approaching, Syrians continue to endure difficult living conditions. Syrians are in need of life saving assistance to face the cold season. Many displaced people still live in threadbare tents. Syrians inside the country struggle to secure their supplies of fuel and electricity, while Syrians in neighboring countries suffer homelessness and destitution. In addition, many Syrians lack the basic livelihood such as sufficient food and medicine.

In accordance with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Syrian Coexistence, and as we, its members, strive to see these principles implemented, and out of concern for the wellbeing of all Syrians:

We call on the United Nations, the international humanitarian and relief agencies, on countries around the world, governments and organizations concerned with the Syrian crisis, to help secure lifesaving support for all Syrians wherever they are, whether inside or outside of the areas controlled by the Syrian state, in displacement camps or in neighboring countries, without discrimination or political misgivings. Helping Syrians, who are already suffering from a dire economic and humanitarian situation, is a collective humanitarian responsibility that the international community must shoulder.

We also call on those Syrians who are affluent and wealthy to take the initiative and privately help fellow citizens in need, without distinction. We stress the importance of such individual, collective, and civil initiatives that can be more direct and less dependent on international bureaucratic mechanisms, and whose moral role is of high significance in supporting a Syrian society wekened and disintegrated by the impact of this long crisis.

(English translation for convenience, the Arabic text is binding)

Declaration of the Council of the Syrian Charter, for immediate release

26 January 2021

On the tragic humanitarian situation of Syrians in camps for refugees and displaced persons

In its inaugural declaration the Council of the Syrian Charter pledged to monitor the ongoing humanitarian, social, and political developments in Syria. In light of this commitment, the Council has decided to issue a statement on the tragic humanitarian situation of Syrians in refugee camps.

Syrian refugees and displaced persons have been suffering for many years without any substantial solution to their situation. This is especially evident in their daily struggle in refugee camps, where the living conditions continue to devalue the human life of Syrians. Not to mention that there is no clear vision of a solution to this crisis or any genuine response to their humanitarian needs that goes beyond food and medicine.

The living conditions in the recently flooded and incinerated quarters in Lebanon and in Northern Syria resulted in the repeated displacement of already displaced Syrians.

This reality is not only a humanitarian disaster, but also a moral disaster for the entire international community, which has, for the most part, turned a blind eye to the suffering of Syrian children, women and elderly people.

Since the efforts made by charities and charitable institutions do not amount to a solution, and given the dire need to solve this crisis to avoid a similar scenario in the near future, the Council calls on the international community to assume its humanitarian responsibility and to move as quickly as possible to help ease the suffering of Syrian refugees and to find a rapid and lasting solution to their crisis.

(English translation for convenience, the Arabic text is binding)

Declaration of the Council of the Syrian Charter, for immediate release

2 March 2021

On the right of Syrians to vaccination against the Covid-19

As the Coronavirus and its more contagious mutations spread across the globe, the development of a number of vaccines has brought hope to the world again. The United Nations and the World Health Organization affirmed the right of every person to have access to a vaccination.

In accordance with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Syrian Coexistence, and out of concern for the wellbeing of all Syrians, the Council of the Syrian Charter calls on the United Nations, the World Health Organization, international humanitarian and relief initiatives, and on all countries around the world to help secure the necessary vaccines, from every source available, without political reservations, for all Syrians, wherever they may reside, whether in or outside

the territories controlled by the Syrian state, in displacement camps or in neighboring countries.

Limiting the spread of the Coronavirus in all of Syria, which already suffers from a dire economic and humanitarian situation, and working to help save the lives of Syrians who are constantly exposed to war, malnutrition and diseases, is a collective humanitarian responsibility of the international community.

The Council of the Syrian Charter also wishes to remind the competent authorities of their duty to organize the allocation of vaccine according to medical and epidemiological criteria, and to prioritize risk groups such as the elderly and medical staff, without any preferential treatment for wealthy individuals or those of political or social influence.

(English translation for convenience, the Arabic text is binding)

Declaration of the Council of the Syrian Charter, for immediate release

18 August 2020

A message of solidarity to the people of Lebanon following recent events in Beirut

The members of the Council of the Syrian Charter believe that the fostering of amicable relations and the furthering of cooperation between states and societies are fundamental principles of international law and international relations. They also acknowledge that humanitarian crises have strong repercussions on the domestic circumstances of neighbouring countries.

The members of the Council are fully aware of the wide-scale devastation caused by the massive explosion in Beirut’s port. The explosion is expected to exacerbate difficult pre-existing socio-economic conditions and growing political tensions. The members of the Council are also mindful of the upfolding humanitarian crisis, as a result of the blast in which many people were killed and injured, and significant economic losses incurred.

As Syrian society previously supported the people of neighbouring countries during times of crisis, the Council of the Syrian Charter declares its full solidarity and its wholehearted support for the Lebanese people and for each and every person affected by this grave humanitarian plight.

It is with dismay and great sadness that the members of the Council convey their deepest and most sincere condolences and sympathies to the victims’ families and friends, and they wish all of those injured a full and speedy recovery. The members of the Council also hope that all affected families will soon be able to resume their lives and rebuild their livelihoods.

…

(English translation for convenience, the Arabic text is binding)