António Guterres told reporters outside Security Council in New York that aid “must pass from all parties” and the grant will cover an initial period of three months.
He said a similar appeal is being finalized for border crossing survivors in Türkiye.
Demand ‘terrible’
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the United Nations quickly provided $50 million through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), but the demand is huge,” he said.
“Syria’s Effort” brings together the entire UN system and its humanitarian partners and will help ensure emergency, life-saving relief for nearly 5 million Syrians – including shelter, healthcare, food and protection.”
He said providing aid is the most effective way for countries to help the war-torn country, which is still in the midst of a 12-year civil war, with most of the earthquake in the region. northwest border, controlled by opposition fighters. , with many people living there having been displaced multiple times and already in a state of humanitarian crisis.
“We all know that life-saving aid failed to achieve the required speed and scale”, said the head of the United Nations, with millions of people “struggling to survive, homeless and in freezing temperatures.”
‘Doing all we can’
“We’re doing all we can to change this, but more is needed” he declared.
“I have an urgent message to the international community: people are suffering from this terrible natural disaster should not be made worse by man-made obstacles – access, funding, supplies.
“Aid must go through from all side, to all side, through all route – without any restrictions,” he stressed, noting that after Syria’s assurances last night, two additional crossings have now been opened to allow more aid into the northwest.
“As we talked, a convoy of 11 trucks was moving across Bab Al-Salam with many more to come,” he said.
Time for ‘coordinated action’
He called on all member states and others in the donor community, “to fully fund this effort without delay and help the millions of children, women and men whose lives have been affected by this generational disaster.
“This is a a time for unity, for common humanity and for concerted action.“
Unlimited
Asked if a Security Council resolution was needed to strengthen the bilateral agreement between the United Nations and the Syrian regime, Guterres said the fact that the crossings were open and the movement was in progress. take place.
Responding to another question about having to negotiate with opposition military leaders in the northwest beyond the Syrian regime’s control, he repeated his call for all aid corridors to be opened “without limitation.” regime”.
Families take shelter at a mosque in the Al-Midan district of Aleppo, Syria, which has been turned into a mass shelter.
