UN official calls for more security measures in al-Hol after death of aid worker

“This abhorrent attack is a reminder that the security situation in north-east of Syria remains unacceptable.”

Wladimir van Wilgenburg 2022/01/12 22:07

A security guard watches displaced Syrians leaving al-Hol camp on Jan. 19, 2021. (Photo: Internal Security Forces)

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Two leading UN humanitarian officials on Syria on Wednesday called for more security measures in the notorious al-Hol camp in Syria's Hasakah province after the murder of a Syrian Kurdish aid worker in the sprawling facility.

On Tuesday, armed individuals killed the Kurdish paramedic Bassem Muhammad, who worked for the Kurdish Red Crescent. A day later, a foreign doctor from a humanitarian organization was injured in a stabbing attack.

"This abhorrent attack is a reminder that the security situation in north-east of Syria remains unacceptable," said the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Imran Riza, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, in a statement.

"On behalf of the entire humanitarian community in Syria, Mr. Riza and Mr. Hadi send sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim and call on all parties with influence to ensure appropriate security measures to allow humanitarian assistance to continue to be delivered in a safe and effective manner."

In recent months there has been an increase in violence in the al-Hol camp. According to the UN, since January 2021, at least 90 Syrian and Iraqi camp residents have been killed, including two humanitarian workers.

At least three people in al-Hol were killed this month, including the paramedic and an Iraqi refugee. The terrorist organization has created instability in the camp by smuggling in weapons.

There are about 56,000 residents in the al-Hol camp, more than half of whom are under 18. The majority of al-Hol's residents are Iraqis and Syrians. However, many foreign residents also live there, many of whom are believed to have ISIS links.

"Such violence places residents under extreme stress, harming their mental health and longer-term prospects," the UN officials said.

"The UN and other humanitarian organizations remain committed to mobilizing and delivering regular life-saving and essential aid to the camp but can only do so effectively when steps are taken to address persistent safety issues," the UN said.