Cross Border Aid Delivery in Syria: Seeking Alternatives to Relying on the Government

Relying on Syrian Government for Cross Border Aid Delivery is Untenable: Alternatives Needed to Assist Besieged Civilians in Opposition-Held Northwest Syria

The Current Situation

The decision by the Syrian government to permit the United Nations (UN) to use the Bab-al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey for delivering humanitarian aid to the opposition-held northwest of Syria may initially appear as a positive development. However, it is important to recognize the Syrian government’s track record of obstructing and weaponizing aid efforts for its own gains. The recent failure of the UN Security Council to renew authorization to use this aid corridor has only increased concerns about relying on the Syrian government for aid delivery.

In a letter sent to the UN, Syria has demanded that aid delivery be contingent upon the UN’s “full cooperation and coordination with the Syrian Government.” This demand places the fate of over four million vulnerable people in the hands of the very government that displaced, dispossessed, and besieged them. Over the past decade, the Syrian government has consistently hindered and manipulated humanitarian aid, using it as a tool to further its own interests and punish those it perceives as opponents.

It is crucial to recognize that the initial passage of a cross-border resolution by the UN Security Council, almost ten years ago, was a response to the Syrian government’s obstruction of aid efforts. These cross-border operations have since become a lifeline for civilians in northern Syria. However, Russia’s successful attempts to undermine the resolution at the Security Council have led to the closure of all cross-border aid corridors except the Bab-al-Hawa crossing. This week’s termination of the resolution puts millions of vulnerable Syrians at risk.

The Need for Alternatives

Given the precarious situation created by relying solely on the Syrian government for aid delivery, it is essential for UN member states to explore alternative avenues to ensure the delivery of lifesaving assistance to people living in areas outside government control. These alternatives should prioritize principled and impartial aid delivery that is not subject to politicization.

The reliance on a single Security Council-mandated border crossing into northwest Syria was highlighted during the devastating earthquakes that struck the region in February. The closure of alternative aid routes left millions without access to critical search-and-rescue reinforcements and lifesaving aid for an entire week. This situation cannot be repeated.

The Role of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly

In the face of the Syrian government’s intransigence and the failure of the Security Council to act, it is imperative for its members to return to the negotiating table and reach a consensus that prioritizes the rights of Syrians. If the Security Council once again fails to take action, the UN General Assembly can be approached to intervene, as it has in the past, and establish pathways for accountability and justice during Security Council deadlock.

Allowing the Syrian government to dictate the flow of aid to areas beyond its control places the lives, rights, and dignity of millions of Syrians at grave risk. It is essential for the international community to prioritize the well-being of these vulnerable populations and find alternative solutions to ensure they receive the assistance they desperately need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, relying on the Syrian government for cross-border aid delivery in opposition-held northwest Syria is untenable. The track record of the Syrian government in obstructing and manipulating aid efforts is well-documented. The recent closure of the majority of cross-border aid corridors underscores the urgent need for alternative avenues to deliver lifesaving assistance to the millions of besieged civilians. The Security Council and the General Assembly should prioritize the rights and well-being of Syrians and take swift action to find alternative solutions. The international community must not abandon these vulnerable populations and must ensure they receive the support they need to survive and rebuild their lives.

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