U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Criticizes Assad Regime's Blockade on Humanitarian Aid to Syria

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, condemned the Assad regime's actions in Syria, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians, particularly those in the Rukban camp, where thousands have been denied access to essential supplies for over a decade. The Ambassador emphasized the need for the regime to cooperate with the U.N. in providing cross-line humanitarian assistance and opening commercial access to Rukban. The U.S. also urged its allies and partners to join in calling on the Assad regime to end its obstruction and cruelty.

Key Takeaways:

• The Assad regime has denied U.N. access to the Rukban camp for over four years, leaving thousands of civilians at risk of disease outbreak, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
• The regime has blocked commercial access to Rukban for two months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
• The U.S. calls on the Assad regime to cooperate with U.N. requests to open commercial access to Rukban and provide cross-line humanitarian assistance.
• The U.S. urges Russia and the Assad regime to engage productively in the Constitutional Committee and implement all aspects of Resolution 2254.
• The ongoing conflict in Syria has led to increased risks of escalation in the wider region, with Iran and its proxies using Syrian territory to threaten Israel and traffic dangerous weapons.
• The U.S. and its diplomatic partners will continue to work toward reducing tensions and preventing escalation in Syria and neighboring countries.

Statistics:

• Over 4 years, the Assad regime has denied U.N. access to the Rukban camp.
• For 2 months, the regime has blocked commercial access to Rukban.
• Thousands of civilians in the Rukban camp are at risk of disease outbreak, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
• The Assad regime's actions have sparked a humanitarian crisis in southeastern Syria.
• The Syrian opposition has engaged in good-faith negotiations with Special Envoy Pedersen to implement Resolution 2254.

Sources:

• https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-by-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-the-political-and-humanitarian-situations-in-syria/