UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was open to the idea of transferring aid to Syria through additional border crossings, in addition to the Bab al-Hawa border crossing – the only humanitarian aid corridor approved by the United Nations. ratification between Turkey and rebel holdings. northern Syria region.
“Of course I would be happy if the Security Council could reach a consensus to allow more crossings to be used, as we also need to strengthen our ability to conduct cross-line operations into Idlib from Damascus, ‘ said Guterres. -United Nations aid agencies have been delivered through other intersections.”
On Tuesday, the United Nations said the Bab al-Hawa crossing was “actually intact,” but the road leading to the crossing was damaged by Monday’s earthquake, hampering rescue efforts. aid.
According to Guterres, the first UN convoy of six trucks entered northern Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing on Thursday. “The United Nations has been doing its best to race to respond,” he said, adding that “more help is available, but more is needed, more is needed.”
“The earthquake comes as the humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria is worsening, with demand at its highest level since the conflict began,” Guterres said, describing the urgent need. emergency humanitarian aid to Syria. “We are saddened to learn that we have yet to see the full extent of the damage and the humanitarian crisis unfolding before our very eyes.”
Guterres said the United Nations will launch a Flash Call for donors to assist Syria early next week. He added that they have disbursed $25 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Fund for Syria, and that UN agencies as well as international and national NGOs are assessing the their initial funding request for the next three months.
“These resources will be used by the humanitarian community for critical support: shelter, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, education, protection and services,” explains Guterres. psychosocial support”.
Guterres also said Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and emergency relief coordinator, was in Turkey to assess the areas affected by the earthquake. Griffiths will also visit Gaziantep, Aleppo and Damascus to assess aid needs.
