Whilst they are effective, the current crossline deliveries cannot match the scale and scope associated with cross-border operations that are needed, which are and will continue to be “indispensable”, the agency heads added. If the Council fails to prolong resolution 2642 , “the consequences will be catastrophic for 4. one million people in non-Government controlled areas”, the top UN officials underscored.
Success at stake
“We were also able to bolster assistance within Syria from Government-controlled areas across frontlines into the country’s northwest, delivering food, wellness, education and other supplies intended for thousands of people in need”, the statement continued. They outlined that within 2022, together with partners, help delivery from across the Turkish border into Syria, reached an average of 2 . 7 million people every month – including early recovery and sustenance support to strengthen communities across the country. “Our position remains consistent and clear: Humanitarian help and protection services must always be allowed to reach those who require it through the safest and most immediate and efficient route”, the particular senior UN officials said.
‘Consistent and clear’ position
At the maximum of winter and amongst a serious cholera outbreak, women and children comprise the majority those who need assistance “just in order to survive”, the statement mentioned. Any failure with the Council to extend the quality would also mean that the UN Monitoring Mechanism ( UNMM ) for cross border help would cease to function, which verifies the passage of humanitarian supplies. The particular joint statement was released by the heads of the EL humanitarian affairs office (OCHA), International Organization for Migration ( IOM ), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Corporation (WHO), UN Population Finance (UNFPA) and UN refugee agency (UNHCR). This has led to additional logistical and operational challenges, improved operational costs, and curbed the capacity of humanitarian partners to provide the aid required.
‘Indispensable’ lifeline
Unlike earlier resolutions, which usually extended cross-border operations pertaining to 12 months, the Council’s latest authorization extended for just six months. “Without UN cross-border operations, millions of people, especially those displaced for years and multiple times, will not have access to food and shelter; to assist in coping with harsh winter season conditions; to the surveillance, therapy and testing capacities required to contain cholera; to safe water; and to protection from gender-based violence”. “The millions of people who rely on the cross-border lifeline to get survival need this quality to be renewed without delay”, the statement concluded. “We are determined to maintain plus expand these deliveries, and call on all stakeholders designed for unhindered, sustained and foreseeable humanitarian access to northwest Syria from Government-controlled areas”.
