Security Council press statement on Yarmouk Refugee Camp

On 20 April, the Members of the Security Council issued a press statement expressing their deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian situation in Yarmouk Refugee Camp in Syria. The Security Council called for unhindered access to the Camp and for the protection of civilians inside the camp, as well as underscored support for United Nations efforts to assist trapped Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk through a three-point plan. The plan includes:

1. Providing assistance for civilians who are unwilling or unable to leave Yarmouk; 
2. Assisting those who want to "temporarily relocate" from the camp to do so in accordance with international humanitarian law and with appropriate safeguards that they will be allowed to do so safely and freely; and 
3. Assisting Yarmouk residents who have already fled.

The press statement goes on to demand that all parties cease attacks on civilians and comply with their international legal obligations and previous Security Council resolutions. The full press statement can be accessed here. Since the outbreak of fighting between the Houthis and presidential guard on 19 January, the Security Council has issued three Security Council resolutions addressing the situation, in addition to a presidential statement and two other press statements. The Security Council resolutions can be accessed here, here and here.

/ Sally