World Vision Expresses Deep Concern Over Failed Extension of UNSC Cross-Border Resolution for Syria, Urges Immediate Reconsideration Amid Dire Humanitarian Need
World Vision expresses deep concern over the UN Security Council's decision not to extend the cross-border resolution for Syria, a decision that affects the delivery of life-saving aid to over 4 million vulnerable people in Northwest Syria.
At this critical juncture, when the area is grappling with escalating violence and the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, the international community's commitment to sustained support is more important than ever. We respectfully urge the Council to reconvene and reconsider the vote so that organizations like World Vision can continue providing the long-term assistance that this complex and dynamic humanitarian situation in Northwest Syria so critically needs.
For the past 12 years, Northwest Syria, now home to nearly 4.5 million people, has been under the grip of ongoing conflict, persistent economic crises, and a cholera outbreak, all of which were further exacerbated by the major earthquake of this past February. As a result of these compounded crises, there has been a sharp increase in the number of families living below the poverty line, with current estimates indicating that up to 90 percent of the population now live in poverty. This situation has led to significant displacement with approximately 2.9 million people being internally displaced, 1.9 million of whom are residing in camps.
In Northwest Syria, 48 percent of people need humanitarian assistance, and are facing escalated needs following the earthquake. Furthermore, approximately 3.3 million people are food insecure while malnutrition rates are climbing.
World Vision has been on the ground since 2013, working to address the multifaceted challenges across Syria, Türkiye, and Jordan. In 2023 alone, since the renewal of the cross-border mechanism in January, we have been able to reach 1,431,501 individuals in Northwest Syria, of whom 199,436 were girls and 186,891 were boys.
Post-earthquake psychological trauma was so dire that it led many lactating mothers to cease breastfeeding, compounded by the unregulated distribution of infant formula in Northwest Syria which exposes more children and newborns to malnutrition. This, alongside displacement and food shortages, has gravely impacted the area's nutritional situation. Recognizing this, World Vision and its partners have been diligently providing vital nutritional services. Nonetheless, the urgency for increased funding and unrestricted humanitarian access remains a critical priority.
Johan Mooij, Response Director for World Vision’s Syria Response, has stated, "The escalating food insecurity and malnutrition rates in Northwest Syria necessitate immediate and substantial funding support. Advocacy for unhindered access to all areas is paramount as it enables organizations like World Vision to provide essential nutrition and other crucial services."
"While we appreciate the UN's efforts to address the crisis in Syria, we believe more comprehensive solutions are required in the longer term. Formulating and implementing long-term strategies to ensure that all Syrians can lead safe, dignified, and healthy lives despite enduring over a decade of conflict and displacement is crucial. Persistent diplomatic efforts and political solutions are paramount to guarantee predictable and principled humanitarian access throughout Syria. The future and survival of Syria's children hinge on these efforts."
"We emphasize that the current crisis, with its complexity and persistent nature, demands our collective, sustained action. We therefore call upon the international community to reconvene at the discussions' table and reconsider the vote in order to continue supporting Syria's vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on children, women, and the displaced. Our shared responsibility calls for collective action now more than ever."
ENDS.
For more information, please contact: Hamzah Barhameyeh, World Vision Syria Response Communications & Advocacy Manager, Email: hamzah_barhameyeh@wvi.org
World Vision is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit https://www.wvi.org/syria-response or follow us on Twitter @WorldVisionSR.
World Vision Syria Response has been operating inside Syria, Jordan and Türkiye since 2011, where we provide life-saving protection, education, WASH, livelihoods and health services to refugees and local communities.