Geir Pedersen is expected to hold talks with Arab foreign ministers, the Türkiye Foreign Minister, the US Secretary of State and other senior officials who will be present at the meeting in Aqaba, UN Spokesperson Nationalist Stéphane Dujarric said when briefing reporters in New York.
Mr. Pedersen held “numerous telephone consultations,” including with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the Netherlands, Mr. Dujarric added, as well as senior officials from many other countries , while maintaining regular contact with key parties. on the ground.
Liquid security situation
Meanwhile, the United Nations aid coordination office, OCHAThe UN and partners continue to support the humanitarian response in Syria, including strengthening health care services, although there have been disruptions due to the “lax security situation” and some facilities have had to closed due to looting and lack of medical staff. medicine.
In northeast Syria, health partners have activated more than 20 mobile units for critical cases and providing primary care, while in the northwest, 30 mobile medical teams have deployed to provide basic health care, vaccination and maternal health services.
“We also continue to support displaced people and provide aid, including food, tents, winter clothing, hygiene kits and cash,” Mr. Dujarric said.
However, UN humanitarian colleagues say more support is needed to reach more people and support host communities.
‘Constructive’ support from authorities on the ground: UNHCR
United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCRsaid thousands of Syrian refugees have begun returning from Lebanon through the official Masnaa border point. At the same time, some Syrians fled to Lebanon.
UNHCR’s Gonzalo Vargas Llosa told reporters in Geneva that more than 13 million people have been forced from their homes during 14 years of brutal conflict and that UNHCR has had a constant presence on the ground.
The main challenge, Mr. Vargas Llosa said, is that there is no immigration authority on the Syrian side, as the de facto authorities have not yet established new border controls.
He said UNHCR had been told by the authorities controlling the main cities on the ground that its work was appreciated and The government will provide “necessary security” to protect UN workers
The senior refugee agency official expressed optimism at the “constructive attitude” of the transitional administration to date, adding that citizens returning home have three main expectations for those next day.
“First, a peaceful political transition at the highest level. Second, tolerance, reconciliation and acceptance in the communities where Syrians are returning, and Third, Syrians not only need immediate relief but also need more international support to resume a dignified life.”
Find what’s missing
Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recorded 35,000 people missing in Syria, but the actual number may be much higher due to incomplete reporting.
Many families are still in a state of pain and uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. The ICRC on Friday called for immediate discussions with interim authorities to protect evidence, including mass graves.
“A repository will be needed to collect this information. Such a repository does not yet exist and we recommend working with authorities to determine the best way forwardStephan Sakalian, head of the ICRC delegation in Syria, said.
