UN: The authorization of aid delivery into Syria must be extended for12 months

The Deputy Director of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ghada Eltahir Mudawi stated during a briefing to the security council saying: “The authorization of cross-border humanitarian aid delivery must be extended for 12 months.”

Mudawi considered that the extension of aid delivery into Syria is an “indispensable” because it is a matter of life and death for millions of people in north-west Syria.

Mudawi pointed out that the Syrians are in need for the support of the international community now more than at any time during the previous 12 years. Mudawi also said that “the humanitarian crisis in Syria must remain a global priority.”

Mudawi added that the majority of Syrians suffer in order to meet their most basic needs, such as food and shelter. Mudawi referred that “15.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across the country, and they represent nearly 70% of the Syria’s population.”

Mudawi indicated that the situation in Syria is “too fragile”, and the needs are great. She stated that the earthquake disaster hitting southern Turkey and northern Syria has “compounded this depressing humanitarian situation,” as there are thousands of people who do not have access to basic services, and more than 330,000 people are displaced.

Mudawi emphasized that the preliminary earthquake recovery needs assessment was estimated about $9 billion and $14.8 billion over the next three years. Mudawi also called for more solidarity and an urgent increase in humanitarian funding to save lives and prevent further suffering.

Mudawi mentioned that the ongoing support from donors and the Security Council, as the United Nations and its partners continue efforts to respond to humanitarian needs, will be critical to meeting basic needs.