The United States highlighted the danger of premature or coerced refugee returns to Syria as prohibited under international law as it announced more than $756 million in additional humanitarian assistance to continue its “unwavering support” for the Syrian people. It also said it would continue working with allies and partners to achieve a solution in Syria in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the US State Department stressed the importance of unimpeded access for humanitarian actors across all of Syria.
“We firmly support implementation of all aspects of UN Security Council Resolution 2642, including the unimpeded delivery of aid. The UN cross-border humanitarian aid mechanism is a lifeline for millions inside Syria, and its continued operation is paramount to their survival. Cross-border deliveries ensure that life-saving aid including food, medicine, and other relief supplies reach people throughout northwest Syria.”
“We appreciate those countries that continue to generously welcome Syrian refugees and highlighted the danger and U.S. policy against premature or coerced refugee returns to Syria prohibited under international law.”
The US State Department stressed that “only a political solution can end over a decade of loss and suffering in Syria, and give all Syrians the security, stability, and prosperity they deserve. The United States’ support for the Syrian people remains steadfast.”
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Haytham Rahmeh, welcomed Washington’s reaffirmation of its support for the Syrian people and their aspirations for freedom, dignity and democracy. He warned of the undeclared UN efforts to deport Syrian refugees to Syria. He called for commitment to international agreements that prevent the forced return of refugees, especially since Syria is still not safe for the refugee’s return in view of the Assad regime’s survival in power.
Rahmeh pointed out that the reasons for leaving Syria are still there, namely the Assad regime’s survival in power. He stressed that Assad had forced nearly 13 million Syrians from their homes through its repressive policy that is based on killing, arresting and forcibly disappearing all its opponents.
(Source: SOC’s media department)
