WIREDGOV

A joint UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy successfully crossed the lines of conflict to deliver much needed emergency supplies to around 42,000 people in Syria’s besieged Homs governorate. 

A convoy of 33 truck and trailer units loaded with emergency supplies left Homs last Friday bound for Al Rastan and Krad Tasnen, north of Homs city. 25 trucks reached Al Rastan with supplies for 30,000 people, while the remaining eight delivered supplies to 12,000 residents of Krad Tasnen. 

“The convoy represents one of the largest deliveries of emergency supplies on a single day across conflict lines in Syria,” says Youssouf Abdel-Jelil, UNICEF Syria Representative. “Many families in this area have been cut off from relief supplies since May 2013.” 

Seven UN agencies -- UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, WHO, UNDSS, IOM, and OCHA – along with SARC contributed to the successful convoy. Among the essential supplies, UNICEF provided baby and family hygiene kits, children’s clothes, blankets, water purification tablets, soap, and washing powder. 

“The operation of a UN hub in Homs has been vital to the development of relationships in the area with all relevant parties and the effective expansion of humanitarian space,” says Mr. Abdel-Jelil. 

“This cross-lines convoy was not a one-off mission, but part of on-going humanitarian delivery efforts to get supplies to children and their families in some of the most hard-to-reach areas,” he added. 
This is a small but significant achievement. 

Between January and October 2013, UNICEF took part in 18 cross-line missions. 

UNICEF continues to advocate for easier, unimpeded humanitarian access in Syria.

Note to Editors: 

Footage and photos of the convoy are available from link:
https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/4640cbbabb844cde29a851a823670c3020131112140905/217dfd 

For more information please contact the UNICEF UK Press Office, Email: media@unicef.org.uk / Tel: +44 (0)20 7375 6030 

About UNICEF

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation for children, working in over 190 countries to help every child realise their full potential. We work with partners to transform the lives of children everywhere. UNICEF provides health care, water, nutrition, education and protection for children. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged children are our priority. As champion of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we work to protect and promote the rights of every child. UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates for lasting change for children everywhere. We are a UK registered charity, supported entirely by voluntary donations. We do not receive any money from the UN. For more information, please visit www.unicef.org.uk