UN humanitarian leaders urge renewal of authorization for north-west Syria cross-border lifeline

New York/Geneva/Rome): Four million people in north-west Syria – most of them women and children – rely on humanitarian aid to survive following years of conflict, economic shocks, disease outbreaks, and spiraling poverty compounded by the devastating earthquakes. The vital pipeline supplying them with lifesaving assistance from across the border with Türkiye could be shut off in just days if the Security Council does not act decisively.

The Council must renew resolution 2672 for at least 12 months so that humanitarian organizations can continue to reach people in desperate need effectively and without delays. This pipeline is more important than ever. Every month, it allows the United Nations and our partners to reach 2.7 million people with medicines, safe water, food, shelter supplies and protection services from across the border.

Any and all avenues to deliver humanitarian assistance must be kept open and, indeed, expanded.

Cross-line deliveries from within Syria are an important complement and we are committed to doing everything we can to expand them, but they cannot match the scale or scope of cross-border operations.

The extension until 13 August 2023 of the Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ae crossings, opened following the 6 February earthquakes, is critical and was welcomed to ensure aid flows into the northwest from Türkiye. The Council’s authorization is necessary so that the delivery of aid is sustained, predictable and independent.

Yet another six-month extension for aid delivery across the border will only further increase our operating costs and hamper our ability to help people recover from the crisis. 

The Council must allow us to continue our vital efforts for at least 12 months. The lives of millions of people hang in the balance.

Signatories

Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Relief Coordinator, OCHA
Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF
Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner, UNHCR
António Vitorino, Director General, IOM
Cindy McCain, Executive Director, WFP
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO
Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA