Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
June 25, 2021
The Russian threats to veto the renewal of the authorization for cross-border delivery of UN aid into Syria represents a new crime that is added to its long litany of war crimes as well as political crimes. Russia has repeatedly cast its veto against UN resolutions related to Syria since 2011, which contributed to shielding the Assad regime, supporting its crimes, and the creation of an unprecedented humanitarian, economic and social catastrophe in Syria, the region and beyond.
The importance of extending the resolution for the delivery of UN aid will be confirmed by a majority vote by members of the Security Council in favor of the extension. All parties have become convinced that humanitarian aid in Syria is one of the issues that the Assad regime and its allies manipulate and exploit to achieve political and economic gains. The corrupt Assad regime seizes UN aid and prevents it from reaching those in need in its areas.
We reject all allegations that the border crossings are ineffective, or that there are alternatives to them on the ground. Ending the UN mandate today means leaving the fate of millions of IDPs in Syria vulnerable to the schemes of the regime and its allies. It is imperative therefore to open more crossings, and to provide more means of delivering aid to those who deserve it. More than 1,000 IDP camps inside Syria depend on the international measures and moves that will be made in this regard.
The issue of relief aid is still being exploited by the Assad regime’s gangs and allied militias. Measures must be taken to place this issue completely under the management, control and direction of independent parties so as to ensure that aid reaches those who deserve it and prevent the regime from seizing it.
The UN Security Council is required to reactivate UN Resolution 2139, which allows the delivery of aid through all border crossings and through the shortest routes. Action must also be taken to prevent the Assad regime, the Russian occupation and Iranian militias from seizing UN aid.
