Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department plans to provide medical support for people affected by recent military action between Turkish Government forces and Kurds.

UK-funded partners have been delivering humanitarian assistance in Afrin including health and protection services. Activities inside Afrin are currently suspended due to the recent military action. Partners are pre-positioning supplies to help meet the needs of those fleeing the area. We call on all parties to facilitate access for life-saving humanitarian aid, and to allow freedom of movement for those caught up in the violence, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The UK will continue to engage with the Government of Turkey on issues relating to the current operation. The Prime Minister spoke to President Erdogan on 26 January where she urged Turkey to avoid any escalation in violence and to protect civilians, while recognising its legitimate interest in the security of its borders.