TAVISTOCK Quakers have a special interest in the debate about whether it is right for the United States and its allies to make any kind of armed intervention in the conflict in Syria.

As one of the traditional 'Peace' Churches, Quakers have always been opposed to war and members of the Tavistock Quaker Meeting have supported the statement issued on behalf of Quakers throughout Britain, which urges all those in power to work with diligence through the United Nations and all diplomatic channels for a resolution of the crisis.

The suffering and loss of life is a cause of great concern and sadness and the use of chemical weapons, by whatever side in the conflict, adds to the urgency of finding a way forward.

Quakers understand and share the need to take some form of action to reduce bloodshed but military intervention will inevitably lead to new hatreds.

Quakers are calling for a generous response to the refugee crisis, an urgent review of the UK policies on the sale of arms and related materials and a renewed commitment to work through the United Nations for the settlement of international disputes.

Tavistock Quakers are conscious of the growing interest in next year's 100th anniversary of the start of the first world war and also of sacrifices which today's generation of young men and women have been asked to make in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq.

As Quakers, what a tragedy it would be if we move towards 2014 with the world still resorting to a military response to the divisions which exist within nations and communities across the world.

Quaker meetings for worship are open to all and are held every Sunday at 10am at 4 Canal Road, Tavistock.

Carolyn Burch, Terry Faull and Ken Orchard

Co-clerks of Tavistock Quaker Meeting

AS millions of children should be going back to class at the start of the new school year in Syria, too many are witnessing horrific violence and are losing loved ones, their homes, and their chance of an education.

More than four million Syrian children are now in need of our help in what is the largest humanitarian operation in history. Behind the numbers are real children whose futures are hanging in the balance. 

I recently visited Domiz camp for Syrian refugees in Northern Iraq, where I heard stories of unimaginable loss. One baby boy had been shot through his father's arms as he rushed him to safety in his hometown in Syria. Another refugee girl, Hadija, had been out of school for more than two years and had forgotten how to read. Others were so affected by the horror they had seen, they could no longer sleep at night.

UNICEF is working around the clock for children in Syria and in five neighbouring countries — Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. We are providing safe drinking water, essential vaccines, education, and psychological support. We have incredibly courageous staff on the ground trying to reach as many children as they can, but there is still so much to do.

In spite of the increased attention on Syria in recent weeks, UNICEF's humanitarian response to this crisis remains critically underfunded.  I urge you to think of Syria's children and do something — however small — to help mend their shattered childhoods.

To donate online visit http://www.unicef.org.uk">www.unicef.org.uk To donate by phone call 0800 316 5353. We need your help, to make sure that a generation of Syrian children is not lost.

Jon Sparkes

UNICEF UK