Relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake.. An international official: There is no place for politics

Dominique Hyde, head of external relations at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said politics should be kept out of relief and rescue efforts in Syria.

She added, in an exclusive interview with “Sky News Arabia”, that the damage to the infrastructure remains a major obstacle to aid reaching the affected people in northern Syria.

Dominique Hyde said in her interview:

• The United Nations calls for the removal of politics from earthquake relief efforts.
• UNHCR is on the ground to provide relief to survivors in Syria.
• It is difficult to reach all areas in Syria because of the earthquake damage.
• The priority lies in securing blankets, clothes and shelter for the survivors and ensuring their safety.
• Turkey receives the largest number of refugees in the world, including 3.5 million Syrians.
• We were able to provide aid in Syria during the first hours after the earthquake.
• The situation is very difficult in Turkey and we seek to provide social support.
• We saw great generosity from Arab countries and great sympathy for the victims.
• Preliminary expectations indicate that 5 million people will be displaced due to the earthquake.