In a briefing to the ambassadors of the UN Security Council, Geir Pedersen emphasized the pressing need for a political solution due to the recent increase in violence, such as airstrikes, rocket attacks, and armed group clashes.

Furthermore, there are ongoing demonstrations in certain areas due to unaddressed complaints, and the current presence of six foreign militaries in the nation has sparked concerns about potential disunity and instability.

“There is no military route to resolving these myriad challenges – only a comprehensive political solution can do that,” Mr. Pedersen said.

Having held discussions with Government officials as well as Russian, Iranian, Turkish, Chinese, Arab, American and European counterparts, his message is clear, added the Special Envoy.

The progress of politics, currently halted and inactive, must be revived.

Humanitarian crisis

The effects of the political deadlock extend beyond just the discussions, worsening the severe humanitarian crisis that is currently plaguing the country.

More than 16.7 million individuals require help from humanitarian organizations. This includes seven million who are still homeless and more than half of the population who require assistance with food.

Joyce Msuya, the Deputy Coordinator for Emergency Relief at the United Nations, stated to ambassadors that the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance in Syria is currently higher than at any other time during the crisis. However, the funding for our humanitarian appeal has reached its lowest point ever.

She expressed that the insufficient resources are causing great devastation. She mentioned that global organizations like the World Food Programme have had to decrease their emergency food aid program by two-thirds, now only able to aid one million people per month.

to make sure

We are putting in our best effort to ensure

Ms. Msuya mentioned that UN humanitarian workers are doing their best to close the divide, referencing the $20 million allocation to Syria from the Organization’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

She emphasized the urgency of providing assistance through various avenues, as the current resources are not enough to meet the high demand and prevent further reductions in essential support. She also highlighted the significance of distributing aid across borders from Turkey to northern Syria.

She stated that the tool enables us to bring life-saving aid, offer necessary safeguards, health and educational services, and carry out routine evaluations and surveillance trips to Idleb and northern Aleppo.

Protect civilians

The top humanitarian representative for the United Nations reflected on the Secretary-General’s declaration recognizing the 13th anniversary of the crisis, emphasizing the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and safeguarding civilians.

She stressed the importance of continued and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance using all available methods, as well as securing sufficient funding to support vital aid initiatives.

“Once again, we call for renewed and genuine commitment to a political solution to end the conflict, in the hope that next year, the people of Syria will have a peaceful Ramadan, with fewer impossible choices to make.”

Source: news.un.org