Don't let 2017 repeat tragedies of 2016 for Syria

While efforts to fully implement a ceasefire in Syria continue, senior United Nations humanitarian officials are appealing for immediate, unconditional, and safe access to reach the children and families who are still cut off from relief aid across the Middle Eastern country.

"We must not let 2017 repeat the tragedies of 2016 for Syria," said a joint statement signed by top UN aid officials, including Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien.

There are 15 besieged areas in Syria where up to 700,000 people, including an estimated 300,000 children, still remain trapped, according to the statement.

Nearly five million people, including more than two million children, live in areas that are extremely difficult to reach with humanitarian assistance due to fighting, insecurity and restricted access.

"All over Syria, people continue to suffer because they lack the most basic elements to sustain their lives – and because of the continued risk of violence," the statement stressed.

"We – indeed, the world – must not stand silent while parties to the conflict continue to use denial of food, water, medical supplies, and other forms of aid as weapons of war.”

Children are at heightened risk of malnutrition, dehydration, diarrhoea, infectious diseases, and injury. Many need support after being exposed to traumatic events, violence and other violations.

“Tragically, far too many children have known little but conflict and loss in their young lives,” it warned.

“The horrors of the siege of the eastern districts of Aleppo have disappeared from the public consciousness – but we must not let the needs, the lives and the futures of Syria's people fade from the world's conscience,” the statement added.