Ms Jane-Ann McKenna:

On the security element, particularly in Syria but also in a number of other conflict areas in which we work, we are very conscious of separating the military and humanitarian elements of conflict.

A distinct separation is crucial to being able to deliver humanitarian aid to people on the ground. We have found that if there is military intervention in the delivery of aid, aid can become a target in conflict settings. The independence of that aid is crucial to being able to provide assistance to those who need it most.

As Professor McMaster mentioned, it is a question of being able to talk with every side. Going in and making sure that all parties to a conflict are fully aware of our independence, what we are doing and that we are not there for any political reason is our greatest source of security and protection. We are taking a large risk in Syria, as we are not authorised to be there.