The security and humanitarian situation in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria has gone from bad to worse. Innocent people are now being used as human shields by the fighting sides.

The Syria crisis has already led to too much suffering. A new massacre must be avoided. 

The EU calls on all belligerents and all parties with influence over them to respect international law, ensure unhindered humanitarian access and provide safe passage for all civilians who wish to escape. UNSC Resolutions 2139, 2165 and 2191 must also be fully implemented throughout the territory of Syria.

The European Commission already released immediate emergency funding of EUR 2.5 million to UNRWA's operation in Syria, with specific focus on Yarmouk, Idlib, Dara'a and Aleppo.

We will continue to work together with UNRWA Commissioner General Pierre Krähenbühl, and all other partners to help alleviate the suffering of the people in the greatest need, and with UN Secretary General Special envoy Staffan de Mistura to find a political solution to the crisis.