Sending arms to Syria "could be disastrous"
CAFOD says that sending weapons to Syria could put aid workers at risk, after the EU agreed to lift its arms embargo.
European Union foreign ministers have decided not to renew the arms embargo on Syria, opening the way for Member States – including the UK – to send arms to Syrian opposition groups.
We regret that ministers have failed to heed warnings about the consequences of arming the Syrian opposition. Increased intervention by foreign governments could put the lives of both civilians and aid workers at risk.
Mike Noyes, our Head of Humanitarian Programmes, said: “There are no easy solutions to the catastrophic situation in Syria, and some European governments are clearly tempted to arm the opposition so that they are at least seen to be doing something.
“But none of the aid workers we work with on the ground in Syria or in neighbouring countries think that sending more arms can make the situation any better. In fact, it could be disastrous, fuelling the conflict and creating an arms race that would put Syrian civilians in even greater danger.
Aid workers at risk
“What’s more, any sort of military intervention by a foreign government could put aid workers directly at risk. Humanitarian agencies are desperately trying to provide support to the most vulnerable in a neutral and impartial way. But if they are in any way associated with – or funded by – countries that are perceived to be stoking up the conflict, it could have appalling repercussions.
“The UK government should not arm opposition groups, but should instead continue pushing for a political solution and a successful outcome to the proposed peace conference.”
Church promoting peace
We are one of a handful of UK aid agencies able to operate inside Syria: the extensive community networks of the Church, even as a minority faith, mean that it is well placed to provide aid to vulnerable people on both sides of the conflict, regardless of religious or political persuasion.
Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo, President of our sister agency Caritas Syria, said:
“The Christian community is deeply rooted in Syrian society and it is engaged in promoting reconciliation and national dialogue, respect and ultimately peace. We pray for the illumination of the hearts, as the Holy Father has said, and for peace. We hope our prayers are heard in heaven and our need for solidarity recognized on earth.”
6.8 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance within Syria, while a further 1.5 million Syrians are taking refuge in neighbouring countries. More than 80,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, and more than half of all homes within Syria have been destroyed or damaged. The Syria emergency is now the largest international humanitarian aid response of the 21st century.
