Ms Jane-Ann McKenna:

Last June we deployed teams on the ground clandestinely. Once we are set up for a couple of months, we inform the authorities of our presence. I refer to opposition-held areas primarily. Until approximately two weeks ago, we were having discussions with the authorities in Damascus on gaining access. As yet, we have not seen further developments regarding what we can do on the ground. It is still proving to be very difficult. My office, in addition to the international organisation, does not take sides in the conflict. We do not necessarily want to work on just one side. There are civilians caught up in the conflict on both sides. Our objective is to try to work where there is a need. However, we are very conscious of the fact that we are working on only one side of the conflict.