Doctors Ask Syria To Lift 7-Year Ban On Access To Medical Charity

Doctors Without Borders on Wednesday called on Syria’s government to reverse its seven-year ban on the medical charity, issuing an urgent appeal for access to wounded people in the regime-held territory.

Since Syria’s conflict erupted in 2011, the medical charity knew by its French initials MSF has been repeatedly denied permission to work in government zones, but has operated in opposition-held territory.

On Wednesday, it issued its first ever public appeal to Syria’s government to reach those in need, regardless of location.


“Our actions are based on the needs of patients alone, not on the politics of war,” said MSF general director Meinie Nicolai.

“We could begin working within days if given authorisation, and could play a deeply beneficial role alongside other Syrian and international healthcare providers,” she said.

The statement said MSF had submitted a request to Syria’s foreign ministry in April but had not received a response.