As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire.
The war in Gaza continues to cast a shadow over the wider Middle East, particularly Syria, where a series of airstrikes and attacks are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, the UN Special Envoy for Syria said today.
In his briefing to the members of the Council, Pei Kairu called for a de-escalation of the situation in the region, starting with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
In addition to regional spillovers, he was deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Syria.
"In fact, there is no sign of calm in any scenario in Syria – only unresolved conflicts, violent violence and sudden outbreaks of hostilities, any of which could become the spark for a new fire," he said.
Humanitarian situation
Pei Kairu highlighted the dire humanitarian situation and said greater access and generous donor support are needed to alleviate the suffering of millions of people.
At the same time, he noted that the economic situation remains equally worrisome, with food prices doubling over the past year and the Syrian pound falling 15 times against the dollar since 2020.
"The endless suffering endured by Syrians has had a ripple effect on the most vulnerable, and many interlocutors told my office that gender-based violence and negative coping tools such as early marriage or forced prostitution of women are on the rise," he said. ”
He said a new and comprehensive approach is needed to address the multifaceted challenges facing Syria. He added that he remains firmly committed to finding a path to peace in Syria.
Explosive remnants of war
Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the risks faced by aid workers, reinforcing the stark assessment of the situation.
In late March, a World Health Organization (WHO) staff member working on water and sanitation assistance in Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria was killed in an airstrike.
Rajasinham also noted the impact of unexploded ordnance, landmines and other such weapons on civilians.
"Agricultural land has been particularly affected, with a significant impact on food production and livelihoods," he said. He noted that children usually account for the majority of casualties.
Fatal disease
Rajasingham added that water and sanitation services are already very limited, but as summer approaches, droughts, heatwaves, cholera and other health risks will increase.
"This, in turn, will increase the risks to sexual and reproductive health and protection for women and adolescent girls, who often experience more severe gender-based violence due to the lack of privacy in and around health facilities and the need to risk further access to water," he warned. ”
