CAFOD calls for diplomacy and dialogue in Syria

(Vatican Radio) Catholic aid agency CAFOD has issued a statement supporting efforts to reach a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria. The message calls on all sides to respect international humanitarian law and "allow aid to reach those caught up in the conflict".

Church leaders in Syria and Lebanon have warned against military action. CAFOD has reiterated that "the only solution will be through diplomacy and dialogue".

Giulia Cirillo spoke to Nick Harrop, World News officer at CAFOD, to find out more:

"We welcome the fact that MPs [in the UK] didn't rush into endorsing military action, and we're continuing to call for world leaders to bring all parties to peace talks in Geneva. [...] It's such a complex situation, and our partners have been warning that military intervention isn't going to help bring about an end to the war."

"We're working in Syria itself with church partners. Unfortunately we can't name those partners, because the situation is incredibly sensitive, and a lot of them are risking their lives to deliver aid across the battle lines."

Nick Harrop also spoke to us about CAFOD's work with Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

"I was in Lebanon last month and the situation is just dire. It's a country with a population of about 4 million, and according to the Lebanese government there are now about 1.5 million refugees, so it's completely overwhelming. There are refugees sleeping in the open air, in cow sheds, in half built and derelict buildings."

"The scale of the needs on the ground is absolutely overwhelming. If your listeners are able to donate money to any of the Caritas agencies working in Syria or to CAFOD, it would be incredibly valuable."