UN official urges international community to extend cross-border aid resolution for Syria amidst looming deadline

EDLEB, Syria — During his visit to northwest Syria, a UN official urged the international community to extend the UN aid resolution to include cross-border assistance for Syria.

With only five days remaining until the expiration of the UN mandate to deliver humanitarian aid through border crossings into Syria, David Carden, the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syrian Crisis, held a press conference on Tuesday at a depot owned by the World Food Program in the city of Sarmada, located in Edleb (Idlib) province.

During the press conference, Carden delivered a unified message on behalf of the United Nations, NGOs, and local communities in northwest Syria emphasizing the crucial need to renew the resolution on cross-border aid for a period of 12 months. He highlighted various reasons to support the continued provision of aid, including the harsh winter conditions and the implementation of early recovery programs. Carden stressed that the Security Council resolution on cross-border aid remains the only viable option to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in northwest Syria.

Furthermore, Carden emphasized the magnitude of the existing needs, which have escalated since the earthquake that affected both Syrian and Turkish territory last February. He mentioned that the United Nations and its partners have been assisting around 2.7 million individuals on a monthly basis.

While not directly naming Russia, which has threatened to veto the extension of the resolution and advocates for aid delivery through the Syrian government, Carden indirectly appealed to all concerned parties to prioritize the well-being of the affected population. This stance is in contrast to the position of Western countries, led by the United States, who oppose funneling aid solely through the Syrian regime.