UN Officials Urge Security Council to Step Up Support for War-Torn Syria

Strategic Insights -

UN officials sounded the alarm on the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, warning that millions of people continue to face hardship despite efforts to rebuild the country's political institutions. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi called for a renewed commitment to involving women in the country's transition, while Ramesh Rajasingham of the UN aid coordination office emphasized the need for urgent funding to support the more than 70% of Syrians who still require aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi called for a renewed commitment to involving women in the country's transition, citing the exclusion of women as a risk to undermining hard-won progress.
  • The participation of women is seen as crucial for the rule of law and equality in a post-conflict situation, with six women elected to 119 contested seats in the new transitional People's Assembly.
  • The Syrian humanitarian crisis remains dire, with more than 70% of Syrians still needing aid, and the UN's response plan only 19% funded, one of the lowest among major global appeals.
  • Ramesh Rajasingham of the UN aid coordination office warned that without additional funding, agencies will have to scale back their assistance by January, affecting over seven million people.
  • UN officials called for decisive and sustained action from the international community, including maintaining the flow of critical humanitarian aid, to support Syria's path towards recovery.
  • The Security Council was urged to step up support for Syria, with Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi emphasizing the need for tangible support from the international community.

Statistics:

  • More than 70% of Syrians still need aid.
  • The UN's response plan is only 19% funded, one of the lowest among major global appeals.
  • Over 340 health facilities have already suspended services, cutting access for over seven million people.
  • Australia's Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, referred to the Supreme Committee for Elections, which noted that women's share of the 119 contested seats is inconsistent with their societal and political role in Syria.

Sources:

  • United Nations News: UN officials urge Security Council to step up support for Syria
  • Supreme Committee for Elections: Press Release on Syrian Transitional People's Assembly Elections