International expert: Aid delivery into northern Syria does not require the Assad regime’s approval
International law expert, Jack Sproson, said: “The issue of cross-border aid delivery into northwestern Syria does not require the Assad regime’s approval, because there is a legal document that gives approval for humanitarian aid entry without the approval of the concerned state or the UN Security Council.”
Sproson pointed that “The Geneva Conventions include an article permitting aid delivery by neutral humanitarian bodies to the parties to the conflict, and any party can agree to the arrival of humanitarian aid to the areas under its control.”
Sproson emphasized that “The non-governmental organizations are not subjected to international law and are not committed to it, and for this reason the International Court of Justice found that providing humanitarian aid to people or forces in another country, whatever their political affiliations or goals, can’t be considered illegal interference.”
Sproson stated that “UN cross-border aid delivery to Syria depends on the UN Security Council Resolution, but its renewal was under the control of the Assad regime and Russia.”
Sproson made it clear that six-month extension of aid delivery into Syria is very short period, so it is not possible to plan for humanitarian operations and provide the necessary resources well.
The Syrian Civil Defense Organization said in a statement last August 10 that “The United Nations ignored the Syrians’ demands and appeals, and allowed the Assad regime to control the humanitarian file and cross-border aid into northwestern Syria, despite the existence of a legal document for aid entry.”
The statement added that the international acquiescence to the Assad regime, which killed and displaced Syrians, used chemical weapons, and has a long history of exploiting aid, politicizing its distribution, and manipulating it, is an insult and betrayal of the Syrians and their sacrifices.
The statement considered that the international community has failed to neutralize the humanitarian file over the past 12 years in terms of protecting the lives of civilians and holding the Assad regime accountable for its crimes, as the lives of innocent civilians and life-saving aid have become hostage for political blackmail.
