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<p>Kidnapping for ransom poses a threat to the safety and security of aid workers
and NGO staff operating throughout Syria, including in Idlib province. The UK continues
to call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians
and humanitarian actors, so aid can reach those in desperate need, and those responding
to the crisis can help the most vulnerable without fear of attack. Under a duty of
care to their staff, humanitarian agencies should be conducting risk assessments and
taking appropriate mitigating action to protect workers. The UK will continue to support
any action to protect humanitarian actors throughout the country.</p><p> </p><p>The
UK does not make ransom payments, on the basis that providing money or property fuels
terrorist activity and encourages further kidnappings. Any payment to, or for the
benefit of, a proscribed terrorist organisation is contrary to UN sanctions, and therefore
illegal. DFID aid complies with UK and international counter terrorism legislation,
and our funding agreements commit partners to understand and comply with international
counter terrorism legislation. All partners undergo a stringent due diligence process
and strict controls and procedures are in place to prevent diversion, to ensure that
UK aid reaches its intended beneficiaries.</p>
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