November 9th 2012: Catholic Organizations coordinate their action to face humanitarian needs of affected populations in and out of Syria

The ICMC Secretary General joined Caritas members and other Catholic organizations in Beirut to discuss the rapidly evolving dramatic situation affecting the Syrian populations in and out of Syria.

Official figures mention over 1.2 million displaced in war torn Syria and over 360,000 people who have found refuge in the neighboring countries Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and even Cyprus. Operational entities in the field and grassroots structures indicate that these understate the reality to take into account much higher numbers of displaced and refugees, including also Iraqi’s who had found shelter in Syria over the past decade.

The meeting was held upon invitation of the special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI, H.E. Cardinal Sarah and was enriched by the presence of the apostolic nuncios in Lebanon and Syria and the many Church officials and organizations of the region. It was chaired by the President of Caritas Lebanon, Rev. Fr. Faddoul, who guided the assembly in developing concrete steps towards collaborative peace building efforts in line with the message of Peace given by Pope Benedict XVI during His recent visit to Lebanon. Cardinal Sarah emphasized that strengthening active solidarity, especially for the poorest innocent victims, is a duty for all.

Witnesses from parishes in Syria highlighted the urgent need to allow the voices of those inside the country to be heard. “The conflict is not correctly understood and many mistakes are made based on wrong assumptions or conclusions” confirmed H.E. Zenari, apostolic nuncio in Syria. The meeting also agreed on the immediate need to respond to the growing number of displaced in the country and to prevent, wherever possible, people from moving.

Occupation by armed forces, schools being closed, demolished hospitals, snipers, kidnapping and bombing add to the growing levels of poverty and deteriorating insecurity; the first winter days adding to these needs and the despair.

There is not only a humanitarian need in terms of logistics but also a clear need to rebuild values in Syria. Many participants insisted upon the urgent need to protect the values that underpin community building, reconciliation and peace building. “Overcoming both resentment and the primary impulse to retaliate is part of the Christian mission” said H.E. Archbishop Gaccia, apostolic nuncio in Beirut. In this the H. father’s Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente” can be seen as a road map for reconciliation, mutual respect and peace for the coming years.

In the pursuit of peace and peace building efforts it is understood that interreligious cooperation is of the essence. Christians are indeed facing multiple and even life threatening risks, but it was felt that the question of the Christian minority should be treated with lucidity and humility. The presence of Christians in the region over two millennia is considered an inalienable part of the regional realities and culture: every effort should therefore be made to keep this presence as a valuable agent of peace and reconciliation and a wealth for the future.

Participants in the meeting intend to continue their collaborative efforts in the coming period and plans will be made including the gift of the Holy Father and Cor UNUM to increase response levels to both humanitarian and community needs.

ICMC Communications desk