Beirut: Nearly 130 organisations have called for immediate and permanent humanitarian access to civilians throughout Syria to help relieve the immense suffering caused by the country’s civil war.

The 128 groups making the appeal include United Nations agencies and relief organisations from around the world.

In a statement released Sunday, the groups urge all sides in Syria’s conflict “to listen to the voice of the international community as expressed unanimously through the Security Council.”

A UN Security Council resolution last month called on Syria’s warring sides to facilitate aid deliveries. The UN says more than 9 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Many of those most in need live in areas under government-imposed blockades, while others are in territory under the nominal control of rebel groups.