The ICRC in Syria

Section

The ICRC in Syria

©ICRC/P. Conneally/il-e-00859

Kuneitra crossing. A wedding across the front lines facilitated by the ICRC. The wedding is an opportunity to meet for family members who have been separated.

Present in Syria since 1967, the ICRC acts as a neutral intermediary in humanitarian matters for the Syrian inhabitants of the part of the Golan occupied by Israel, who are protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention.

In particular, it facilitates the passage of Syrian nationals, mainly students and pilgrims, who have to cross the area of separation to complete their studies in Syrian universities or perform their religious obligations. It restores and maintains links between family members separated as a result of the conflict with Israel.

The delegation also works to promote knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in close cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).

Presence (2009): 14 staff, including 3 expatriates

Feature

8-9-2008

Occupied Golan: crossing point opened for pilgrims

In the first of a series of journeys due to take place over the coming month, 400 Druze pilgrims living in the Israeli-occupied Golan have crossed into Syria proper with the help of the ICRC.

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Israel)

Feature Includes Photo

Operational update

3-11-2009

Israel and the occupied territories: helping people improve their lives

The ICRC continues to help those who are most vulnerable by supporting health facilities, repairing water systems and launching community projects. This is an update on these and other ICRC activities carried out in Israel and the occupied territories from July to September 2009.

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Israel)

Operational update Includes Photo

29-10-2009

Occupied Golan: ICRC helps Syrian Arabs maintain links with families elsewhere in Syria

On 24 September 2009, about 560 Druze pilgrims were allowed to cross from the occupied Golan into Syria proper through the Kuneitra crossing. Since there are no diplomatic relations between Syria and Israel, the ICRC acted as a neutral intermediary between the two countries to facilitate the pilgrimage. The ICRC’s work in the Golan focuses on re-establishing and maintaining family links between the Syrian Arab residents of the occupied Golan and their relatives on the other side of the demarcation line.

(The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Israel)

Operational update Includes Photo

Photo Collection

2-11-2009

Occupied Golan: 560 Syrian Druze cross to Syria proper

For the estimated 21,100 Syrian Arabs living in the occupied Golan, travel to Syria proper is severely restricted, if not impossible. The ICRC works as a neutral intermediary with officials in Syria and in Israel to help students and pilgrims cross the demarcation line for educational and religious purposes.

(Info resources\Photos\Middle East and North Africa)

Photo Collection Includes Photo

6-10-2008

Occupied Golan: a happy event in a sad setting

A wedding day is supposed to be a day of great happiness for the bride. But for Nihal Arin, it was bittersweet.

(Info resources\Photos\Middle East and North Africa)

Photo Collection Includes Photo