Kuwait highlights need for ‘safe,’ ‘sustainable’ humanitarian aid for Syria
Developments in northeastern Syria have destabilizing effect on the region: Kuwait
NEW YORK: Kuwait underlined on Friday the importance of timely, safe, sustainable and unimpeded humanitarian access to Syria, while allowing humanitarian aid access to those in need. This came in a speech delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the UN Bader Al-Munayekh, on behalf of those in charge of the Syrian humanitarian file; Kuwait, Belgium and Germany, at the UN Security Council session on the Syrian humanitarian file. All parties should respect the international humanitarian law (IHL), including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure throughout Syria, he underscored. Over the past two weeks, they followed developments in northeastern Syria and saw the effects of the Turkish military operation as disturbing, having a destabilizing effect on the region, posing risks to the war against the so-called Islamic State (IS) and already worsening the dire humanitarian situation, he said. Since military operations began in the northeast, civilian casualties have been reported, over 180,000 civilians were displaced, including 80,000 children and civilian infrastructure were damaged, he said.
Not the first time
“For many of those fleeing, this is not the first time they have been displaced,” he said, mentioning that they live under the rule of IS and need permanent protection to civilians. They have reiterated the Secretary-General’s statement, that any military operation must fully respect international law, including the Charter of the UN and IHL, resolving concerns through peaceful and diplomatic means, Munayekh stated. Idlib governorate witnessed a decrease in air strikes, however, the civilian casualties continued, in which the escalation must stop with great commitment to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals in accordance with IHL, he said. Counter-terrorism operations do not relieve the parties of their obligations under international law, including IHL, he stressed.
He condemned attacks and is concerned about the threat posed by explosive remnants of war and landmines to civilians. Any humanitarian demining activities should avoid civilians suffering, he said, emphasizing that all parties should adhere to precautious anti-violent principles. He stressed to provide timely, safe, sustainable and unhindered humanitarian assistance and to allow the UN and its humanitarian partners to continue carrying out crucial work in northern Syria. Cross-border operations, which were renewed under the UN Security Council Resolution 2449, were the driving force of millions of people in Syria, particularly in the northwest, where the cross-border route contributes to nearly 40 percent of all humanitarian assistance to residents in Syria.
Over 180,000 civilians were displaced
68,000 people
Munayekh is grateful for the Secretary-General over renewing the decision of continuing cross-border operations before the end of this year. As for Al-Hawl camp, he said there were still 68,000 people, 94 percent of whom were women and children, and that according to another statistic, 55 percent of the children in the camp were under 12 years of age. He welcomed joint missions with the UN to provide food and urged for a durable solution in the southwest, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report. He stressed the importance of accountability as the Syrian conflict witnessed egregious violations of IHL and human rights law. He welcomed beginning working on the Commission of Inquiry established by the Secretary-General, saying it is vital to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the incidents that took place, especially attacks on facilities. Regarding the return of refugees, Munayekh said that his stance on it has not changed, as all returns must be safe, voluntary, dignified and informed. This month marks the first step towards a comprehensive political process in line with Resolution 2254. — KUNA