For the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, this is an opportunity to remember the countless lives lost, and remember the abuses and suffering of the millions, including those who have been displaced, or are in arbitrary detention, who lost and missing.
War cannot be stopped
“The situation in Syria cannot stand and to continue in the same way, confront humanity and logic,” he said.
Furthermore, the challenges faced in responding to last month’s deadly earthquake “are a stark reminder that status quo is sustainable and unsustainable,” he added.
‘Depoliticise’ earthquake relief
Northern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by earthquakes on February 6, which killed more than 50,000 people across both countries and caused widespread destruction.
Nearly nine million people in Syria have been affected, with the worst damage occurring in the northwest, the last stronghold of the opposition.
Mr. Pedersen emphasized “It is important for collective humanitarianism to politicize relief efforts”demonstrating the need for accessibility through all systems, generous resources, and sustainable peace.
Political solution is important
“But we cannot limit our collective efforts to human response alone. “Syria is broken, divided, and impoverished, in a state of active conflict, its government, independence and regional stability have been compromised,” he said.
“No pain no gain a comprehensive political solution to resolve these issues, one that restores Syria’s sovereignty and integrity, and allows the Syrian people to live in dignity and shape their own future, the pain of the Syrian people will endure it.”
A possible ‘tipping point’
The representative said that the earthquakes “can be a turning point”, as evidenced by “humanitarian steps from all parties that have gone beyond the previous conditions, even if only temporarily.”
“We need to see the same logic applied on the political frontto help find a way forward,” he said, referring to actions such as step-by-step confidence-building measures, restarting and advancing constitutional matters, and working towards a nationwide establishment.
Undisclosed losses, record requirements
Meanwhile, two of the UN’s top aid officials focused on the the unholy suffering that the Syrians have endured since the war started, with the loss of life, life, home and hope.
The joint statement was issued by the interim UN Chief and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, El-Mostafa Benlamlih, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syrian Crisis, Muhannad Hadi.
“Syria is one of the worlds humanitarian sector and security emergencies along with 15.3 million people throughout the country assessed as needing humanitarian aid this year – the highest number of people in need since the beginning of the conflict,” they said.
Struggle to survive
Syria is also among the world’s largest displacement conflicts. Some 6.8 million people are uprooted within the country, many times over, and roughly as many are living as refugees abroad.
In addition, millions of Syrians are pushed to the brink of survival amid the collapse of basic services, an ongoing disease outbreak, food and energy prices, and an economic crisis.
The earthquake has added “yet another level of tragedy and worry”, they said.
A seven-year-old girl who was expelled from the city lives in a labor camp with her family in southern Syria. (file)
Help is not enough
UN officials expressed the full commitment of the humanitarian community to continue helping people across Syria, and its support for rehabilitation and early recovery efforts.
“Humanitarian aid, however, is neither sufficient nor sustainable,” they said.
“You must come a correct and comprehensive solution to end the conflict in Syria. All concerned must show determination to continue the pursuit of lasting peace for the Syrian people to rebuild their devastated lives. ”
Child malnutrition is common
The ongoing war and earthquakes have left millions of Syrian youth at increased risk of malnutrition, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Wednesday.
About 13,000 boys and girls have been killed since the conflict began, the agency added.
UNICEF estimates that 609,000 Syrian children under the age of five are stunted, a condition that leads to malnutrition and serious physical and mental harm. can change.
Malnutrition is also on the rise. The number of children suffering from severe malnutrition increased by 50 percent from 2021 to 2022.
“When children suffer from severe malnutrition, their immune systems are weakened, and they are 11 times more likely to die than well-nourished children,” explains UNICEF.
Children can’t wait
Syrian families are still struggling to make appointments due to rising prices and the economic crisis, with nearly 90 percent of the population living in poverty.
“Syrians cannot wait any longer. After years of conflict, and two catastrophic earthquakes, the future of millions of children hang by the rope” said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
“It is our collective responsibility to reaffirm to the children that their future is our joy along with.”
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