International organization warns of an upcoming Russian “veto” against aid entry into Syria
The “International Refugees” warned of Russia using its veto power against a Security Council draft resolution of cross-border humanitarian aid delivery into Syria, pointing out that the repercussions will be disastrous on the civilians.
The organization said in a statement yesterday that relief organizations and donors have to be prepared for the upcoming Russian veto and to develop rapid plans to provide humanitarian aid for those in need in northwest Syria.
The organization added that about 4.1 million people are in desperate need of assistance in northwest Syria despite the extension of aid delivery for six months.
The organization indicated that 3.1 million people are food insecure, in addition to 1.7 million people are living in camps and suffering from dire conditions.
The report noted that aid agencies and communities “will be left to hope for a miracle bleave hope for a miracle in the UNSC negotiations to extend the resolution for another six months until July 2023,” in the middle of next winter, at the height of the Syrians’ needs.
It is noteworthy that cross-border humanitarian aid delivery mechanism started in 2014. The aid was delivered through four border crossings from Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. Because of the Russian pressure, the crossings were reduced to only one crossing, which is Bab al-Hawa border crossing.
On July 12, the Security Council voted on a draft resolution to provide humanitarian aid through the Bab al-Hawa crossing for six months.
