Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
July 11, 2023
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) strongly condemns Russia’s recent use of veto to block a UN draft resolution aimed at extending the vital mechanism for introducing life-saving humanitarian aid to Syria. This deplorable act adds to the long list of Russia’s crimes against the Syrian people and represents a blatant defiance of the will of the international community.
By vetoing the resolution, Russia has endangered the lives of millions of civilians in northwest Syria, leaving them without access to essential food and necessary care. The SOC firmly rejects the notion that urgent humanitarian aid should be subject to Russian blackmail every time a vote is held, particularly considering Russia’s role as a party to the conflict and a key ally of the Assad regime. Russia’s involvement in committing thousands of war crimes against the Syrian people, leading to their displacement and the creation of a humanitarian catastrophe, further underscores the gravity of this veto.
This act by Russia is yet another example of its ongoing war against innocent civilians. It has effectively paralyzed the work of the UN Security Council and blocked all draft resolutions aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people. The international community must urgently come together to find a solution and prevent a major disaster from befalling the Syrian people. It is imperative to establish an effective and permanent mechanism that guarantees the right to life for civilians in northwest Syria.
In light of Russia’s consistent use of its veto power as a means of political manipulation, the SOC calls for the approval of an extension of cross-border aid by the UN General Assembly. Such a move would bypass Russian blackmail and prevent further vetoes. The recent adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly to establish an independent institution on missing persons in Syria in June serves as a precedent for taking action in the face of Russian obstruction.
The SOC emphasizes that it is unacceptable to allow Russia to transform a purely humanitarian issue into a negotiated political matter, wherein it exploits the situation to secure gains for the Assad regime. It is crucial for the international community to implement radical changes that remove such forces from the decision-making circle, particularly when it comes to humanitarian matters.
