WCC expresses grave concern over expiry of UN resolution allowing cross-border humanitarian assistance to North West Syria

In a letter to the UN Security Council, World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed grave concern over the impending expiry on 10 July of the resolution allowing cross-border humanitarian assistance to North West Syria.

“If the Security Council fails to renew this resolution, the supply of food assistance for more than one million people at risk of hunger will be imperiled, as will the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations, critical medical supplies and other vital humanitarian assistance for many more,” reads the letter. “I appeal to all members of the Security Council to take urgent action to avert this morally unacceptable outcome.”

There are an estimated 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in North West Syria that can only be reached by cross-border operations. “Lifesaving humanitarian assistance to so many people in need must not be impeded by political considerations,” Sauca wrote. “It is our collective responsibility to our fellow human beings.” The letter concludes: “I urge you to renew authorization for cross-border humanitarian operations through Bab al-Hawa, and to reopen the crossings at Bab al-Salam and al-Yarubiyah, without delay.”

Photo credit: Syrian refugee family in Hungary on their way to western Europe, 2015. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth