General Assembly Security Council

UNSC briefing/consultations on Syria-Humanitarian

[Wednesday, 15 September 2021, 1000 hrs EDT/ 1930 hrs IST]

 

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative

 

 

Madam President,

 

Let me begin by thanking Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths for his update. We  welcome the latest insights provided by his recent visits to the region.

 

2. The humanitarian crisis in Syria has not seen  much improvement in the recent months. More than 13 million people across Syria are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, which has been further aggravated by the compounding water crisis. One million people have been affected by the disruption of Alouk water station. The drought conditions and reduced water flows in the Euphrates River has further added to problem. Covid-19 active cases are increasing every day, particularly in North-West Syria, while the vaccination levels have remained very low.

 

3. In this context, the visit of USG Martin Griffiths and his assessment of the current situation has reminded us again what needs to be done urgently. We welcome his visit and his engagement with the Government and the leadership of Syria.

 

4. We have been consistently emphasizing that the answer to the humanitarian crisis lies in a political solution. Without forward movement on the political front, the humanitarian crisis will persist and the people of Syria, particularly women, youth, children and the elderly will continue to suffer.

 

5. The presence of foreign forces as well as external support to armed groups is only making the situation worse. There are reports from the ground that UN proscribed terrorist groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Islamic State in Iraq and Levant are attacking civilians, in rural Idlib and Hama, and in the northeast of Syria. This has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation.

6. We have been calling for enhanced and effective humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization or preconditions. The international community needs to engage purposefully to address the situation and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. We also need to look into the worsening situation in IDP camps such as Al-Hol, where nearly ten thousand third country nationals, including women and children are suffering in worsening conditions.

 

7. Access for humanitarian aid and assistance is pivotal, and concrete steps need to be taken to address the hurdles that are obstructing the functioning of both cross-border and cross-line operations.

 

8. On cross-line aid delivery, we welcome the first cross-line aid delivery convoy to Aleppo from Damascus that coincided with the Under Secretary General’s visit. We once again stress on the need for an effective monitoring mechanism, which involves the Syrian Government authorities, to enable  smooth and efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance. Serious efforts are needed to expand crossline assistance, including to areas currently not accessible.

 

9. Reconstruction efforts and funding concerns related to the Syria Humanitarian Response Plan of the UN also need to be examined as a priority by the international community.

 

Madam President,

 

10. India has contributed to humanitarian efforts by extending developmental assistance and human resource development support to Syria through grants and lines of credits for developmental projects, supply of medicine and food, artificial limb fitment camps and capacity building training programs. India remains steadfast in its commitment to support the people of Syria through developmental and humanitarian assistance.

 

I thank you.

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