WASHINGTON, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the recent limited cessation of hostilities in Syria during the past four days, Carolyn Miles, President and CEO of Save the Children US, issued the following statement today:
"Save the Children welcomes efforts over the past four days to reduce hostilities in Syria and expand aid to thousands of civilians who are in desperate need. The month of March marks five full years of conflict in Syria – a war that has killed a reported 250,000 people and forced half of the nation's population – 11 million Syrians -- from their homes in what has become the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.
"This week, for the first time, we have seen some small signs of progress showing what can happen when the fighting stops. Besides the limited expansion of aid deliveries, families in many areas of the country have been able to walk the streets. Syrian children have been able to attend school and play in their school yards without gunfire or bombs threatening their lives. This is a small step in what will be a long and complicated march towards peace. Given the potential for progress, reports of continued breaches of the 'cessation of hostilities' threaten the best opportunity for constructive peace talks since the war began five years ago. We face the real possibility of creating a lost generation of Syrian children unless this tragedy ends now.
"While the politics and diplomacy surrounding peace efforts are complicated, the test of success for humanitarian aid organizations like Save the Children is quite simple: Are those in need safer, better nourished, and healthier? Is assistance getting through to those in need on a sustained basis? Do these initial steps lay a solid foundation for political talks to end the conflict? The days and weeks ahead will provide the answers."
"For years, parties to this conflict have failed to respect their obligation to spare civilians, and millions of children and families have been deprived of food, clean water, healthcare, and other vital services. The United Nations has called for new peace talks to begin on Monday, March 7. We call on all parties to agree to stop the war and engage in peace negotiations."
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SOURCE Save the Children
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