The Syrian Civil Defense has issued a stern warning about the deteriorating living conditions in the liberated areas of northwestern Syria. With half a month passing since the end of the authorization for the entry of humanitarian aid through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing into Syria, the organization condemns the Russian role in manipulating the humanitarian aid issue in the country.
According to the Civil Defense, the continued politicization of humanitarian aid by Russia and the Assad regime is directly impacting the lives of over 4.8 million civilians living in dire circumstances in northwestern Syria. The ongoing attacks by the Assad regime and Russia are exacerbating the urgent needs for survival, deepening the suffering of civilians already burdened by the effects of the prolonged war and the aftermath of the devastating February earthquake.
Emphasizing the rights of the Syrian people, the Civil Defense asserts that they have the right to access humanitarian aid as stipulated in international humanitarian law. The organization stresses that delivering life-saving aid should not require permission from the UN Security Council. There exists a legal framework granting the United Nations the right to provide aid independently of the UN Security Council to ensure a prompt and effective response to affected communities.
Earlier, the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) strongly condemned the Russian veto against a draft resolution seeking to extend the mechanism for delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in northwestern Syria. This veto poses an imminent danger, threatening the lives of millions of Syrians, leaving them without essential food and necessary care.
The SOC denounced the Russian action as yet another addition to Russia’s list of crimes against the Syrian people, showing a blatant disregard for the will of the international community.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
