UNITED NATIONS: Negotiations at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York continued on Monday as officials worked towards a last-minute agreement on extending critical cross-border aid to millions of people in Syria, according to diplomatic sources.
The anticipated vote on the extension of the aid deal, originally scheduled for Monday at 10:00 am (1400 GMT), was postponed to allow for further consultation among Security Council members, announced the British UN mission, which currently holds the council’s presidency.
With no concrete plan for reconvening, a diplomatic source revealed that the 15-member Security Council has yet to determine the next course of action. Meanwhile, the existing aid agreement, renewed for six months in January, expires on Monday.
The arrangement, established in 2014, enables the UN to deliver vital humanitarian assistance from Turkey to populations residing in rebel-held areas of northwestern Syria, bypassing territories controlled by government forces. Initially encompassing four entry points, only the Bab al-Hawa crossing remains operational today. Renewal of the accord every six months has been necessitated due to pressure from Moscow, a key ally of Damascus.
Presently, the Bab al-Hawa crossing caters to more than 80 percent of the needs of individuals living in rebel-controlled regions, encompassing essential items such as diapers, blankets, and food supplies like chickpeas.
Extension of Cross-Border Aid to Syria
According to diplomatic sources, the latest resolution, co-drafted by Switzerland and Brazil, calls for a one-year extension, as advocated by humanitarian workers. However, Russia, which vetoed a one-year extension in July 2022, is reportedly adamant about agreeing only to another six-month deal, as per the same sources.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths reiterated the urgent need for additional crossing points, insisting on a one-year renewal. The current situation is deemed “intolerable for the people of the northwest” and places an immense burden on humanitarian agencies, who must stockpile supplies in anticipation of potential access disruptions.
The UN estimates that four million Syrians depend on humanitarian aid for survival, grappling with the consequences of years of conflict, economic turmoil, and devastating earthquakes. After the February earthquake, which claimed the lives of thousands, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad authorized the opening of two additional crossings, but their authorization is set to expire in mid-August.
Griffiths expressed hope that the crossings would be extended, emphasizing the dire need for sustained assistance. The UN’s failure to reach a consensus on the extension of cross-border aid highlights the ongoing challenges in providing crucial support to vulnerable populations in Syria.
