UNFPA Regional Director Condemns Violence in Syria’s Coastal Areas

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Arab States Regional Director, Laila Baker, has expressed deep concern over the recent outbreak of violence in Syria’s coastal regions, where civilians, including a UN staff member, were killed and injured.

“I condemn the targeting of healthcare workers, hospitals, and health facilities—attacks on civilians and healthcare are a violation of international humanitarian law and cannot be tolerated,” Baker stated.

Highlighting the ongoing struggles of Syrian women and girls after 14 years of conflict, she called for an urgent return to peace and stability. “Women and girls in Syria thirst for peace, recovery, and space to rebuild their shattered lives. They crave safety, healthcare, jobs, and education, and an end to violence, displacement, and destruction,” she emphasized.

Baker stressed that Syria’s recovery must be rooted in justice and the principles of non-discrimination, recognizing the crucial role women play in peacebuilding efforts.

UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to providing essential reproductive healthcare services and addressing gender-based violence in Syria. “Protecting women and girls from violence is a moral imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable peace,” Baker concluded.