In a heartfelt appeal based on his years visiting the devastated region, as Secretary-General and formerly head of the United Nations refugee agency UNHCRAntonio Guterres said that What was once “a center of solidarity is now a center of suffering.”
‘Nightmare on top of nightmare’
“Everybody is dealing with a nightmare on top of a nightmare. The quake comes as the humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria is worsening, with demand at its highest level since the conflict began.”
He said the UN had done its best to respond quickly to “one of the greatest natural disasters of our time”.
The first UN convoy entered northwestern Syria on Thursday through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, he said, including six trucks carrying shelter and other much-needed relief supplies, he said. , and although more help is underway, he assures. “more, much more, is needed.”
The head of the United Nations said the world was saddened to learn of the growing death toll, which has now exceeded 18,000 according to the latest reports, and the full extent of the damage remains unknown.
“Türkiye is The place with the most refugees in the world and has shown unparalleled generosity to Syria’s neighbours. Indeed, as many as 3.6 million Syrians have lived in Türkiye for more than a decade. Many of them are now earthquake victims.”
Similarly, he said that he had been to Aleppo in the past and met Syrians, who warmly welcomed Iraqis fleeing war.
“During my visits, I am deeply moved by the solidarity of the home openers and their hearts. Now those houses have been destroyed and those hearts are broken,” he told journalists at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Access and resources: key priorities
He said he would send the head of the United Nations relief force Martin Griffiths to the region later this week for a full assessment of the disaster, but he said there were two overarching priorities.
Secretary General António Guterres addressed the press on the situation in Syria and Türkiye.
“First, access. Damaged roads. Everyone is dying. Now is the time to explore all possible avenues to get aid and personnel into all affected areas. We must put people first.
“Second, resources. Humanitarian response – Syrian humanitarian fund and Syrian cross-border fund – need urgent help. They are the best options to enable the United Nations and its humanitarian partners to quickly respond to those in need.”
Currently, $25 million has been disbursed from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund to begin the response, and early next week, a A quick appeal for donor assistance will be issued, for those affected by the earthquake in Syria.
He said UN agencies – along with international and national NGOs in Syria – are assessing their initial funding requests over the next three months.
“These resources will be used by the humanitarian community to provide critical support: shelter, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, education, protection, and psychosocial support services. festival.”
He said the UN “stands ready to support the Turkish government’s response in any way possible.
Time to stand up for Syria and Türkiye
“In the face of this terrible disaster, I strongly urge the international community to show the people of Türkiye and Syria the same support and generosity they have received, protecting and supporting millions of refugees. and those displaced.
“Now is the time to stand up for the people of Türkiye and Syria.”
People affected by the earthquake in Aleppo, Syria receive hot meals distributed by the World Food Program.
