Adoption of Syria Humanitarian Resolution for renewal of cross-border operations through Bab al-Hawa

(Tuesday, 12 July 2022)

India's Explanation of Vote 

Thank you, Mr. President. India welcomes the adoption of the resolution extending authorization of humanitarian assistance to Syria through Bab-Al Hawa crossing. 

2. Today’s adoption will reassure nearly 4 million people in the northwest of Syria, 2.7 million of whom are IDPs, many of whom are women and children. At the same time, we should not lose sight of the fact that more than 14.5 million people across Syria need humanitarian assistance in one form or the other, with essential food items and fuel in short supply. Food insecurity has reached historic highs and an estimated 60% of the population is food insecure, as per the UN. 

3. It is clear therefore a decisive forward movement on the political track in Syria remains an urgent imperative to alleviate the sufferings of its people. To realize this, all parties, particularly the external players need to display their commitment, in tangible terms, to a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned UN-facilitated political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

4. We reiterate call for enhanced and effective humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization and preconditions. While cross-border operations are predictable and important, they cannot continue to exist in perpetuity. Concrete steps need to be taken to address the hurdles that are obstructing the functioning of cross line operations.

5. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a matter of political expediency. Linking humanitarian and developmental assistance with the progress in the political process will only exacerbate the humanitarian sufferings and should be avoided. International community also needs to constructively look at promoting projects, which will bring much needed jobs and economic opportunities for the Syrian people. Similarly, early recovery projects which help Syrian people to move in a direction of self-sustenance, need a realistic basis to move forward.

6. In conclusion, let me reiterate that India is committed to supporting the people of Syria in their endeavor for seeking lasting peace and stability.

I thank you. 

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