Summary:
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War-torn On February 6, twin earthquakes that shook Syria and the neighbouring country of Turkey caused more than 56,000 fatalities, extensive damage, and millions of displaced people.
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Security, civilian protection, essential services, energy infrastructure, livelihoods, and land for housing were among the topics he listed needing discussion.
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He also mentioned conscription or detention, which he claimed were essential for Syrians, including refugees and internally displaced people.
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He stated that, mutually beneficial, all parties may take demonstrable initiatives.
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“Crews are still working to remove the wreckage from the earthquake, which according to the World Bank, resulted in damages of about $5.2 billion but are likely to have been much higher.
War-torn On February 6, twin earthquakes that shook Syria and the neighbouring country of Turkey caused more than 56,000 fatalities, extensive damage, and millions of displaced people.
Speaking via videoconference from Geneva, Mr Pedersen said, “The situation today is so unprecedented that it calls for leadership, daring ideas, and a cooperative attitude.”
The only way Syria can go ahead is through a political solution. We might not be able to get there right away, but I think we can make progress in that direction over time.
Keep your cool on the ground.
The reaction to the earthquake and ongoing humanitarian efforts connected to the war, which this month entered its 12th year, must be supported, according to the UN envoy.
A ceasefire and political conclusion to the conflict are outlined in Security Council resolution 2254, which was enacted in December 2015.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining calm on the ground, particularly in earthquake-affected districts.
He claimed that most areas had a relative pause in violence during the week following the earthquakes.
“For a brief period, both sides of the front line mainly avoided fighting, making the unthinkable a reality. Since then, the number of incidents has gradually increased.
Catalyst for development
Mr Pedersen expressed worry for civilians and spoke of the possibility of an escalation.
In this sense, he has been collaborating with essential parties to achieve a lasting quiet, especially in the earthquake-affected regions of northwest Syria, the opposition’s final stronghold.
This approach “can and must be employed to handle post-earthquake rehabilitation and wider political concerns, in the same manner, that we have seen efforts from diverse sides in the humanitarian domain,” he said.
Before the earthquake, only one permitted border crossing with Turkey via which aid convoys entered northwest Syria.
Afterwards, two more crossing locations were reopened, and according to him, sanctions have also seen “new openings.”
This demonstrates that various parties may take positive action, he said. “I feel that there is a chance to move forward with more actions on all sides beyond the immediate emergency,” I said after all my conversations.
Participation of all parties
To make progress on this issue, Mr Pedersen urged discussion with the Syrian parties on how they may foster a climate favourable to rehabilitation following an earthquake.
It will also be necessary to engage with “outside players” to ascertain how they can improve resources and eliminate obstacles, especially those related to sanctions.
Security, civilian protection, essential services, energy infrastructure, livelihoods, and land for housing were among the topics he listed needing discussion. He also mentioned conscription or detention, which he claimed were essential for Syrians, including refugees and internally displaced people.
He stated that, mutually beneficial, all parties may take demonstrable initiatives. “I am confident that such measures might allow us to advance gradually in post-quake reconstruction and, in the meantime, on political trust-building on topics in Security Council resolution 2254,”
Collaboration is essential
To proceed, Mr Pedersen emphasized that “some degree of cooperation across divides is required.”
“Neither the Syrian government, the Syrian opposition, the Western or Arab or Astana players, nor the various interested parties can advance this process alone. He claimed that isolated strategies wouldn’t have the same qualitative impact as a coordinated strategy.
“But, I am more confident than ever that it is feasible and necessary to move forward – step for step, and step by step — if all are willing to put practical points on the table and if players coordinate and work together.”
More pain for millions
Tareq Talahama, an Acting Director with the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), provided the Council with an update on the response to the earthquake.
He stated, “We must lose sight of the fact that millions of people in Syria were already suffering from poverty, displacement, and deprivation due to 12 years of conflict.”
Crews are still working to remove the wreckage from the earthquake, which according to the World Bank, resulted in damages of about $5.2 billion but are likely to have been much higher.
UN assistance continues
The UN made a $40 million emergency fund available within days of the catastrophe, and it is still cooperating with local partners today.
More than a million medical consultations have occurred, and almost 2.2 million individuals have received food aid.
Water and sanitation services have been made available to around 380,000 individuals.
In northwest Syria, the extended cross-border mode has proven crucial. He said more than 900 trucks carrying relief from seven UN agencies have now crossed into northwest Syria from Türkiye using the three open border crossings.
The need is growing
In the following weeks, additional work must be done in housing, returns, family reunion, and protective services, particularly for women and girls. Monitoring current cholera outbreaks and other public health issues will also be necessary.
Mr Talahama emphasized the crucial role of donor assistance. He applauded a global meeting conducted this week in Brussels that resulted in commitments of seven billion euros for Syria and Turkey.
Yet, as requirements grow, ongoing international assistance will be required. Only 6% of the $4.8 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria this year, the largest in the world, is funded.
To guarantee that all those in need receive lifesaving and early recovery aid, he stated, “the generosity shown in recent weeks must be extended to—and not come at the expense of—the ongoing humanitarian response across Syria.”
Also, more significant effort is needed to establish a more favourable environment so humanitarian aid can reach communities quickly, safely, and reliably.
