The American Coalition for Syria (ACS), an umbrella group of nine multifaith US-based organizations, expresses its deep dismay and outrage at the veto vote exercised by Russia at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on July 11, 2023, that blocked the reauthorization of UN cross-border humanitarian aid operations to northwest Syria. The proposal put forward by Brazil and Switzerland would have extended authorization of the cross-border at Bab al-Hawa for nine months to April 2024.
Russia’s veto is an indelible stain on the reputation of the United Nations Security Council, a betrayal of the Syrian people, and a cynical attempt to score political points at the expense of human lives.
Russia’s veto will have a devastating impact on the people of northwest Syria. It will cut off access to essential humanitarian aid for over 4 million people, including women, children, and the elderly. These people are now facing starvation, disease, and death. Russia’s veto is also a clear sign that the Assad regime and Russia are determined to block all efforts to help the people of Syria.
This process has been held hostage for far too long, and world-renowned jurists have said for years that it is legal to have cross-border humanitarian aid operations, and the international community must not allow the veto to stand. The regime and its allies have repeatedly obstructed humanitarian aid deliveries, and they have used starvation as a weapon of war.
ACS urges the United States, the European Union, and other countries to enhance the provision of aid and collaborate closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to sustain ongoing operations, as such actions do not require UNSC authorization.
Russia’s veto is an indelible stain on the reputation of the United Nations Security Council, a betrayal of the Syrian people, and a cynical attempt to score political points at the expense of human lives.
Russia’s veto will have a devastating impact on the people of northwest Syria. It will cut off access to essential humanitarian aid for over 4 million people, including women, children, and the elderly. These people are now facing starvation, disease, and death. Russia’s veto is also a clear sign that the Assad regime and Russia are determined to block all efforts to help the people of Syria.
This process has been held hostage for far too long, and world-renowned jurists have said for years that it is legal to have cross-border humanitarian aid operations, and the international community must not allow the veto to stand. The regime and its allies have repeatedly obstructed humanitarian aid deliveries, and they have used starvation as a weapon of war.
ACS urges the United States, the European Union, and other countries to enhance the provision of aid and collaborate closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to sustain ongoing operations, as such actions do not require UNSC authorization.
