No One Falling for Russian Federation’s, Damascus’ Claims They Are Driven by Humanitarian Considerations, Delegate Stresses
Expressing disappointment that the Security Council could not agree to extend its authorization of United Nations cross-border relief operations into Syria, two senior United Nations officials used today’s Council briefing to lay out the details of the Middle East country’s worsening humanitarian, security and economic situation.
Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, said pragmatic and flexible negotiations are crucial to resume the intra-Syrian political process, facilitated by the United Nations, and reconvene the Constitutional Committee. He shared the Secretary-General’s disappointment that cross-border relief operations through the Bab al-Hawa crossing were not extended two weeks ago. “How are the Syrians meant to believe that some broader progress is possible, and how are they meant to be encouraged to overcome their own deep differences, if consensus on humanitarian basics among international parties is elusive,” he asked.
Conditions are not in place for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees, and he called on the Syrian Government to do more to address the very real and ongoing protection concerns. Noting the country’s deepening economic crisis and the ongoing tensions and military activities throughout Syria, he said “sustained calm leading to a nationwide ceasefire remains essential”. Achieving a diplomatic breakthrough requires regional and international unity in support of the Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, United Nations-facilitated political process to restore the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The more you can work together despite your differences, the more you can encourage and support the Syrians to do the same,” he said.
Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stressed that “cross-border aid is a matter of life and death for millions of people in north-west Syria”. He emphasized that cross-border operations in north-west Syria have always been, and must continue to be, guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. “The UN cross-border operation is among the most scrutinized humanitarian operations in the world,” he declared, expressing hope that the use of Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee crossings will be extended beyond their expiration on 13 August. He noted that socioeconomic conditions continue to deteriorate across Syria and the rapid depreciation of its currency has led to significant food and fuel price hikes.
In the ensuring debate, Council members voiced their deep concern about Syria’s worsening humanitarian situation and the persistence of hostilities, particularly in country’s north.
Brazil’s representative, speaking on behalf of his country and Switzerland as co-penholders of the Syrian humanitarian file, reiterated that, whatever solution is found to alleviate the plight of Syrians must fully comply with international humanitarian law. Bab al-Hawa has been the primary hub for the United Nations humanitarian operations in north-west Syria, handling 85 per cent of deliveries. It is, therefore, concerning that no United Nations aid has entered through that location since the cross-border access expired two weeks ago and millions of people do not know if they will receive life-saving aid. “We must not forget the human price attached to this kind of uncertainty,” he stressed. Speaking in his national capacity, he said it is crucial to resume a credible intra-Syrian political process with tangible results in the short-term, including the reconvening of the Constitutional Committee.
Mozambique’s delegate, also speaking on behalf of Gabon and Ghana, underscored that the political and security crises that have persisted in Syria for more than a decade — compounded with the humanitarian crisis — have subjected more than 23 million people to daily suffering. Expressing deep concern with the persistence of hostilities — particularly in northern Syria — he called for an immediate ceasefire. He also voiced concern over the presence of foreign military forces which undermines regional and international security, stressing that “Syria should not be used as a battleground for geopolitical rivalries”.
The representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for July, speaking in her national capacity, said that Syria claims they have given the United Nations permission to use the Bab al-Hawa crossing, yet not a single truck has crossed there, where 85 per cent of the United Nations assistance had previously transited. The conditions that President Bashar al-Assad set out make it unsafe to do so and undermine the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ neutrality and independence. No one is falling for the Russian Federation’s and Syria’s claims that they are driven by humanitarian considerations, she said.
The representative of the Russian Federation said the return of Syria to the “Arab family” and the restoration of relations with Türkiye would help improve the overall situation in the Middle East and facilitate the speedy resolution of the Syrian crisis. He rejected Western countries’ attempts to interfere with these processes and said his country has consistently advocated for a Syrian-led and ‑owned political settlement in accordance with Council resolution 2254 (2015). Against this backdrop, Moscow is pleased that international humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people will be carried out in the same manner as in any other country, with the consent and in close coordination with an internationally recognized Government, he said, stressing that no new Council decisions are needed in this regard.
Syria’ delegate condemned the Israeli occupying forces’ continuing aggression against his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is deplorable that the Council is paralysed when it comes to responding to these violations. Turning to the humanitarian situation, he said Syria is committed to guaranteeing the provision of humanitarian aid to the north-west region. He also noted the hot-headed responses of some Council members in response to its legitimate concerns of its sovereignty and the use of the cross-border mechanism.
In addition, Syria took a sovereign position to grant the United Nations access to use the Bab al-Hawa crossing from 13 July for six months, he pointed out, stressing that it has not imposed any conditions and is fully open to cooperating with the United Nations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. He called for an end to foreign forces on Syrian territory, including by the United States. He also called for a complete, unconditional and immediate lifting of unilateral coercive measures on the Syrian people, which are a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and Council resolutions.
(UN News)
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