Humanitarian assistance for internally displaced people in Syria ahead of winter. UN: More than 16 million Syrians need help, political transition remains key priority Peace and Security
After five decades of dictatorship and fourteen years of war, Syria is seeking renewal. UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Roshdi stated this, speaking at the Security Council on Wednesday. According to her, the situation of many civilians in the country remains extreme heavy.
Roshdi recently completed a trip to Syria. In Damascus, she met with representatives of the new government, as well as Syrians “from all areas and different walks of life.” Roshdi stressed that what she saw during her visit “was a reminder of the scale of the challenges and the need for a truly inclusive political transition process.”
The Deputy Special Envoy welcomed the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2799, which removed the President and Minister of the Interior of Syria from the terrorist list. Roshdi called it “an important step toward Syria’s reintegration into the international community,” and also called for the lifting of mandatory secondary sanctions, calling them “a key obstacle to economic recovery.”
Israeli operations in Syria
Addressing the Security Council, the UN representative emphasized that in resolution 2799 the Council “affirmed full respect for the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria.” However, she noted, “Israeli military operations and incursions into Syria territory continue, in serious violation of Syrian sovereignty and international law.” She said they endanger the safety of civilians, undermine a fragile peace and threaten the political transition.
Ongoing tensions
Roshdi noted the ongoing tension, lawlessness and outbreaks of violence in a number of areas, including Deir ez-Zour and the surrounding areas of Suwayda. She stressed that the continued presence of terrorist groups and foreign fighters remains a concern.
Peace in Syria depends on comprehensive security sector reform and credible disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs, the speaker said.
60~h2>Transition justice and political process
The Deputy Special Envoy said that progress in the areas of accountability and transitional justice is equally important. The UN is ready to support the work of Syria’s national commissions on these issues.
Speaking about the stages of transition, Roshdy noted that the development of a permanent constitution is a “fundamental task” and that free and fair elections will require “considerable advance planning” and the rebuilding of institutions and infrastructure. Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Lisa Douten, speaking at a Security Council meeting on behalf of UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, reported that more than 16 million people across Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance assistance. In particular, more than 180 thousand people cannot return to their homes in Suwayda and neighboring areas.The OCHA spokeswoman stressed that explosive remnants of war remain a serious threat: last week, she said, six people, including a child, were killed in six provinces in Syria, and 11 more were killed. injuries.
Since December last year, more than 570 people have lost their lives in this way and 960 more have been injured, with most incidents occurring on farmland.
More than 3 million have returned home
Douten noted that despite the difficulties, hope for a better future is reflected in the growing number of people returning home. Since last December more than 1.2 million Syrian refugees have returned from neighboring countries, and 1.9 million internally displaced people also returned to their homes.
However, most still need support. According to the UN Refugee Agency, 70 percent of returnees face food shortages, and many report destroyed homes, lack of sources of income and the need to restore documents.
Northern Syria is closed over 400 camps and other facilities where displaced persons were located, but over 1.2 million people – three quarters of them women and children continue to live in similar conditions.
Humanitarian achievements operations
Douten said the UN and partners are helping 3.4 million people – 24 percent more than last year, despite cuts funding.
Efforts continue to vaccinate children, expand nutrition programs, and conduct the first national needs assessment. However, the current humanitarian response plan is only 26 percent funded.
Douten called on the international community to allocate more funds to the needs of the Syrians, as well as to invest in the development and reconstruction of the country. She added that Syrians “don’t want to be reliant on emergency aid” but need support to get back on their feet.
The speaker noted that moves to ease sanctions and interest from regional partners are creating an opportunity, but “the international community must act decisively to turn this opportunity into real support.”