NCF Research Officer Eloise Sinclair delivers an oral intervention to the United Nations Human Rights Council 53rd session. Eloise addresses the United Nations in the context of the situation in Syria in item 4.

Transcript:

The twelve years of civil war in the Syrian Arab Republic have caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Even before the earthquake of February 2023, two-thirds of Syrians required humanitarian assistance. The earthquake exacerbated the perilous situation for millions of Syrians, particularly those in the north and northwest.

Despite unprecedented need, only one of the border crossings is open on a permanent basis. The Bab al-Hawa crossing is a lifeline for the 4.5 million people living outside government control in the north and northwest. In this region, crossline operations rarely achieve the size and scope of cross-border mechanisms and are frequently obstructed by rebel organisations.

The Next Century Foundation calls for all further renewals to the border crossing to be extended from 6 months to twelve months to align with the humanitarian programme cycle.

We ask the Syrian government to extend their authorisation of the Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee border crossings in the northwest beyond August 13th. Predictable and long-term access to multiple border crossings is needed to effectively plan, deliver and monitor humanitarian aid provision. The situation in Syria is far too severe to be alleviated through short-term and temporary measures.

Finally, we urge the international community to renew their interest in the crisis and fully fund the Syrian Humanitarian Response Plan. The 2023 plan received only 8% of the necessary funds, making it the most underfunded since the initiative began in 2012. Now more than ever, the Syrian people need the international community’s financial commitment, time, and compassion.

Thank you.