AMMAN, JORDAN: As Turkey begins a new military operation in northern Syria, CARE is deeply concerned about the risk any escalation in violence will pose to civilians.

Unconfirmed sources already point to population movements out of Syrian towns bordering Turkey.

Military action is likely to trigger mass displacement and disrupt humanitarian aid delivery to vulnerable populations, some of whom have already been displaced multiple times during the conflict.

It is crucial that the protection of civilians is held paramount and that their freedom of movement is maintained.

CARE calls on parties to the conflict to take all possible steps to avoid harm to civilians and to ensure humanitarian actors have sustained, unimpeded, and safe access to vulnerable men, women, and children in need.

For interviews with CARE spokespeople in the region, contact Iona Salter on 0412 449 691 or iona.salter@care.org.au

Note to editors

CARE has been providing aid in Syria since 2014, and has reached more than 4.5 million people so far. Our work is focused on food security, livelihoods, women’s economic empowerment, shelter, water and sanitation, maternal and reproductive health support, and psychosocial support for people in crisis.

About CARE

Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. CARE has more than seven decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children who are often disproportionately affected by disasters. Last year, CARE worked in 94 countries to reach 80 million people, including more than 11 million through emergency response and humanitarian aid.