New York, 27 April 2022 (TDI): Recalling that the Syrian conflict was “a hot conflict, not a frozen one,” the UN Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said that the international community must remain focused on achieving comprehensive political solutions to it.
He was delivering his remarks to the Security Council in New York. He listed significant threats from the war, including airstrikes and intense clashes in the country’s northeast.
“The current strategic stalemate on the ground and Syria’s absence from the headlines should not mislead anyone into thinking that the conflict needs less attention or fewer resources or that a political solution is not urgent,” he added.
Mr. Pedersen referred to the situation in Syria as the greatest humanitarian crisis at its highest level since its start.
He further remarked, “While the displacement caused by the war in Ukraine is tragically catching up, Syria remains the biggest displacement crisis in the world, with 6.8 million refugees and 6.2 million IDPs (internally displaced persons) – half the pre-war population, a whole generation born and brought up in displacement.”
The UN Envoy also shared the work of the Syrian constitutional Committee on providing peaceful solutions to the war and implementing political reform in the country.
Humanitarian assistance for Syria:
The UN Envoy called for expanding cross-line and cross-border assistance for the Syrian refugees. He also highlighted the need to address the plight of thousands of detained, abducted, or missing Syrians at the international Forum.
Additionally, UN deputy humanitarian affairs Chief, Joyce Msuya, warned that Syria is on the verge of becoming another forgotten crisis. He shared that millions of Syrians struggle each month to survive.
Expressing her concern about dwindling resources, she added that the UN doesn’t have the required money. She further referred to an increase in food and fuel prices, delivery of water and sanitation, and other basic facilities to the refugees. She pointed out that four million people require aid.
“For far too many people, we cannot provide the bare minimum in assistance. We cannot continue business as usual. We must support Syrians in need to find a more sustainable path forward.” She added.
