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UN Efforts and Humanitarian Response in Syria Amid Ongoing Conflict

Geir Pedersen is set to engage with various officials, including Arab foreign ministers, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, and the US Secretary of State during an upcoming meeting in Aqaba, as stated by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a recent briefing in New York.

Mr. Pedersen has conducted numerous phone discussions with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the Netherlands, according to Mr. Dujarric, as well as with senior representatives from several other nations, while ensuring consistent communication with key stakeholders operating within Syria.

Fluid Security Situation Hinders Humanitarian Aid

The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the UN and its partners remain committed to addressing humanitarian needs in Syria. This includes enhancing healthcare services despite interruptions caused by the precarious security conditions. Some medical facilities have reportedly been forced to close due to looting and shortages of medical personnel and supplies.

In northeast Syria, health partners have launched over 20 mobile units dedicated to attending to critical cases and providing primary healthcare. Meanwhile, in the northwest region, 30 mobile medical teams have been deployed to deliver essential health services, including vaccinations and maternal care.

Mr. Dujarric emphasized the importance of continuing support for displaced individuals and the delivery of aid, which includes food, shelter, winter apparel, hygiene kits, and cash assistance. Nonetheless, humanitarian teams have indicated that additional resources are crucial to expand their outreach and support host communities effectively.

UNHCR Reports on Refugee Returns and Challenges

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has noted that thousands of Syrian refugees are returning from Lebanon via the Masnaa border point, coinciding with reports of some individuals fleeing into Lebanon.

Gonzalo Vargas Llosa from UNHCR shared that over 13 million people have been displaced by the ongoing 14-year conflict, highlighting the agency’s persistent efforts in the region. A significant challenge remains the absence of immigration authorities on the Syrian side, as de facto authorities have yet to put in place new border management systems.

According to Vargas Llosa, feedback from the controlling authorities in major cities indicates an appreciation for UNHCR’s operations, along with a promise to ensure the security of UN personnel. He noted a hopeful “constructive attitude” from these transitional authorities, expressing that those returning home have three primary expectations to fulfill.

“First, a peaceful political transition at the top. Second, tolerance, reconciliation, and acceptance within communities to which Syrians are returning. And third, there is a need for not just immediate relief, but also for an infusion of international support that allows for a dignified life to resume.”

Addressing the Issue of Missing Persons

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported a staggering 35,000 documented missing individuals in Syria, though the actual figure is believed to be significantly higher due to cases not being reported. The plight of many families remains dire as they grapple with uncertainty regarding their loved ones’ fates.

Recently, the ICRC urged immediate consultations with interim authorities to ensure the protection of important evidence, such as mass grave sites. “It is essential to establish a repository for this information. Currently, such a system is nonexistent, and we are willing to collaborate with authorities to determine the most effective way to move forward.” stated Stephan Sakalian, ICRC’s head of delegation for Syria.

Source
news.un.org