Syria ceasefire: Russia and USA must ensure agreement leads to real halt of violence

In response to the nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which excludes ISIS and Jabhat Fateh al Sham, the armed group formerly known as Jabhat al Nusra, Andy Baker, Oxfam's Regional Program Manager for the Syria crisis response, said:

"Oxfam hopes the ceasefire will provide a welcome respite for Syrian civilians who have faced unremitting violence and deliberate deprivation of aid. Syrians have seen too many international announcements and resolutions amount to nothing. Russia and the USA must make sure their agreement translates to a real and lasting halt to violence in Syria. 

"Oxfam is providing clean water across the front lines in Syria. The success of the ceasefire will also be judged on whether we finally see greater access for humanitarian aid so that those in desperate need can get the food, shelter, water and services they require."