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UN envoy — Global Issues


War-torn Syria and neighboring Türkiye were rocked by a twin earthquake on February 6, which killed more than 56,000 people and caused widespread devastation, displacing millions. move.


“The situation today is so unprecedented that it requires leadership, bold ideas and a spirit of collaboration,Mr. Pedersen said via videoconference from Geneva.


“A political solution is the only way forward for Syria. We may not get there in one step – but I believe we can get there gradually.”


Stay calm on the ground


The UN special envoy said it was vitally important to continue providing resources to support the earthquake response and ongoing war-related humanitarian operations, which this month entered to the 12th year. Security Council resolution 2254, adopted child in December 2015, outlined a roadmap for a ceasefire and political solution to the conflict.


He stressed the need to maintain calm on the ground, especially in earthquake-affected areas.


“The week after the earthquake, people saw signs of peace emerging, with a relative lulled by violence in most quarters,” he said. “For brief moments, the unthinkable became a reality – parties on each side of the front line largely refrained from hostile action. Since then, we have seen a significant increase in incidents.”


A catalyst for progress


Expressing concern for civilians, Mr. Pedersen warned of the risk of escalating tensions. In this regard, he has worked with key stakeholders to work towards long-term stability, especially in the earthquake-affected areas of northwestern Syria, the last stronghold of the rebels. Opposition.


“In the same way that we have seen moves from different sides in the humanitarian sector, This logic can and must be applied to address earthquake recovery and broader political challenges.” he say.


Before the earthquake, humanitarian convoys had brought aid into northwestern Syria through the only authorized border crossing with Türkiye. Two additional crossings were later reopened, and he said there was also a “new opening” to sanctions.


“This show shows teeth different parties can make constructive moves” he say. “I feel, from all the discussions I have had, that there is a chance to move forward with additional moves all over the immediate emergency.


Commitment to all parties


To move forward on this front, Mr. Pedersen called for engagement with the Syrian parties on how they can create a favorable environment for earthquake recovery. Engagement with “external actors” will also be required to determine how they can provide advanced resourcesand remove obstaclesincluding sanctions-related issues.


He listed some of the issues that will have to be discussed such as security, protection of civilians, basic services, energy infrastructure, livelihoods and land for housing; but also conscription or detention, which he says is very important for Syrians, including refugees and internally displaced people.


“I believe Verifiable steps are mutually implemented and reciprocity from all parties is possible” he say. “I believe that such steps can allow us to take steps toward earthquake recovery and, in the process, build political confidence on the issues of Council resolution 2254. Security Council.”


Cooperation is very important


Mr. Pedersen emphasized that “a degree of cross-departmental cooperation is essential” in finding a way forward.


“Syrian government, Syrian opposition, Western players, Arab players, Astana players, other interested parties – No one alone can push this process forward. Individual approaches will not make the qualitative difference that a combined approach can make,” he said.


“But if all are willing to make practical arguments, and if players coordinate and work togetherI am more convinced than ever that moving forward is possible and necessary – step by step and step by step.”


More suffering for millions


The Council also heard updates on the earthquake response from Tareq Talahama, Acting Director of the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA.


“We cannot ignore the fact that this great tragedy has struck millions of people in Syria who have already suffered greatly. poverty, displacement and deprivation of 12 years of conflict,” he said.


According to the World Bank, teams continued to clear debris after the earthquake caused about $5.2 billion in damage, although the actual amount could be much higher.


UN continues to support


The United Nations responded quickly to the tragedy, disbursing approximately $40 million in emergency funding within days and continuing to work with partners in place.


To date, about 2.2 million people have received food assistance and more than one million medical consultations have been conducted. Nearly 380,000 people are provided with clean water and sanitation services.


“Expanding the transboundary modality has also proven necessary in northwest Syria. More than 900 trucks are aided from seven UN agencies, have now reached northwest Syria from Türkiye through three available border crossings,” he said.


Demand is growing


But more needs to be done in the coming weeks, in areas such as shelter, repatriation, family reunification and protective services, especially for women and girls. An ongoing cholera outbreak and other public health emergencies will also have to be monitored.


Mr. Talahama stressed the important role of donor support and welcomed an international conference to be held this week in Brussels, which has already raised €7 billion in pledges for Syria and Türkiye.


However, with the need deepening, international support will continue to be needed. This year’s $4.8 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria – the largest worldwide – is funded by only 6%.


“The generosity has shown itself in recent weeks must be extended to—and not at the expense of—humanitarian response is underway across Syria to ensure lifesaving and early recovery assistance reaches all those in need,” he said.


“And more action is needed to create a more conducive environment, ahere humanitarian assistance is accessible to the community in a safe, predictable and timely manner.”

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