Syria: We will continue to respond wherever possible, says UN aid chief
Tom Fletcher, Emergency Relief Coordinator and head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said: “We will respond anytime, anywhere, in any way possible to assist people in need, including reception centers – food, water, fuel, tents, blankets.”
The dramatic developments in the Syrian capital followed a lightning attack by the armed opposition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), on November 27 from its stronghold in the northwest of the country on the The area is controlled by the Government, believed to be supported by rebel groups participating from the south. .
In response to the rapidly changing situation, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for “urgent political negotiations” in Geneva to ensure a peaceful future for Syria. There was widespread support for his call, he said on Saturdayfrom Iran, Russia and Türkiye along with the United States, France, Britain, Germany and the European Union.
According to OCHA, the conflicts have forced more than 370,000 people to flee their homes in Syria, “with many seeking refuge in the northeast and others trapped in frontline areas, unable to escape. escape,” said the top UN aid official in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula. speak on Saturday. “Civilian casualties, including women and children, continue to mount, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian action.”
After sweeping into Syria’s second city, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and now Damascus have fallen one after another, despite suggestions that Security Council– the designated terrorist group lacks the means to sustain its astonishing achievements.
On Sunday, Mr. Pedersen tick “14 years of unspeakable suffering and unspeakable loss” that Syrians have suffered, as their country is divided in a conflict that began as a peaceful protest against the Government, only to attract regional and international forces that have prevented hindering Security Council efforts to end the fighting.
“This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we cautiously look forward to the opening of a new chapter – one of peace, reconciliation, dignity and tolerance,” he said in a statement. inclusion for all Syrians”.
Transfer of power
Chief negotiator of the United Nations – who attended a conference Summit of Arab countries in Doha this weekend – also issued a call for the new rulers in Damascus to ensure a stable transition of power and maintain the country’s institutions.
Mr. Pedersen emphasized that this is the “clear wish” of millions of Syrians so that they can finally see their “legitimate aspirations” fulfilled “and restore a united, sovereign, independent Syria.” and territorial integrity, in a manner that can receive the support and participation of the entire international community”.
Immediately after HTS’s reported victory and declaration to the millions of Syrians displaced by the conflict that “a free Syria is waiting for you,” news reports indicated that opposition forces met little resistance in taking Damascus, while President Bashar Al-Assad was expected to do the same. flew out of the capital to an unknown location.
Years of fighting pitted Government troops reinforced by foreign State-backed fighters against opposition forces including ISIL extremists – now essentially pushed out of Syria – has devastated Syria, despite repeated calls for peace through multiple rounds of negotiations led by the United Nations in Geneva.
Emphasizing that Sunday’s developments mark “a turning point in Syria’s history”, UN Special Envoy Mr. Pedersen emphasized the need to “prioritize dialogue, solidarity and respect for humanitarian law.” international and human rights” as Syrians “rebuild their society”.
Arab countries and Russia called for an end to the fighting
On the sidelines of the official visit to Doha Forum, Mr Pedersen also spoke with representatives of Türkiye, Iran and Russia – the so-called Astana Group – who had gathered to discuss the rapid gains of the opposition in Syria.
In a joint statement issued before the fall of Damascus by Astana members and the foreign ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan Egypt and Iraq, they called for an end to the fighting and expressed support for United Nations-led efforts to reach a political solution. solution to the Syrian crisis, based on Security Council Resolution 2254.
As events in Syria continue to unfold, the United Nations’ top aid official, Tom Fletcher, emphasized the need to uphold international humanitarian law “to protect civilians, including personnel relief”.
That call followed report about a deadly airstrike at Syria’s Ad Dabousiyah border crossing with Lebanon on November 27, in which a Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) volunteer was killed along with several civilians. people. The incident led to the suspension of all UN humanitarian convoys to Syria.
Although “essential” humanitarian operations remain in place inside Syria, the United Nations has begun removing “non-essential personnel” from the country as a precautionary step, aid officials said. The head of the United Nations in this country said. speak.
“This is not an evacuation and our dedication to supporting the Syrian people remains unwavering,” Adam Abdelmoula asserted, stressing that “rumors suggest that the United Nations is Evacuating all employees from Syria is untrue.”
Words must go hand in hand with actions on human rights
Meanwhile, after reports that a coalition of forces had taken over the Syrian capital and freed prisoners from Sednaya and other detention facilities, the United Nations human rights investigation into the situation today called “a historic new beginning for the Syrian people who have endured unspeakable suffering.” violence and brutality over the past 14 years.”
“It is time to put the aspirations of the Syrian people first and put the country on a path towards a stable, prosperous and equitable future, ensuring the human rights and dignity of its people that have long been denied,” he said. United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria said in a statement.
For decades, Sednaya and other notorious detention facilities were synonymous with fear, loss, suffering and cruelty. The cells where detainees were treated cruelly are now open, as are the interrogation rooms where they were tortured with the cruel methods applied by the Commission. document because year.
The Committee calls on all parties in Syria to facilitate access for independent humanitarian and human rights organizations, including the Committee, to the country, including to detention facilities. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all evidence is protected.
Both the opposition and the Government leadership have issued initial statements demonstrating their commitment to maintaining good behavior and protecting civilians.That’s encouraging. The Commission said their actions must now match their words.
