Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


UN Security Concerns Rise Following Killings in Syria's Al-Hol Camp

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - U.N. officials are expressing alarm over worsening security at
   Northeast Syria's al-Hol refugee camp after multiple killings between
   January 1 and 16.

   Fears for the safety and protection of camp residents and humanitarian
   workers are growing following the killings of 12 Syrian and Iraqi
   residents, including one female Iraqi refugee. Another person was
   critically injured during a violent attack.

   Al-Hol, which is controlled by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, is the
   largest camp for refugees and Syrians who have fled their homes, with
   nearly 62,000 residents. Most are women and children of Syrian and
   Iraqi origin. They fled to the camp after a U.S.-led coalition ousted
   Islamic State militants from their stronghold in the northern city of
   Raqqa in 2018.

   The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs laments
   the tragic loss of life in al- Hol. OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke says the
   recent rise in violence also threatens the security and the ability of
   aid workers to provide crucial assistance to the residents.

   "What they are delivering is primary health care, water, shelter,
   nonfood items, food and hygiene distribution, nutrition and protection.
   All of that delivery is being thrown into jeopardy when the level of
   insecurity rises to what we have seen now," he said.

.