Iran's Statement on the Humanitarian Taskforce Meeting

The humanitarian situation in Syria remains extremely challenging and the nation is grappling with economic hardships. It should be highlighted indeed that the continuation of illegal UCMs is the main reason that makes the situation in Syria more fragile and creates huge negative impacts on the Syrian economy and humanitarian situation.

 

Intervention

By

Mr. Seyed Hessameddin Yasini

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before

The Humanitarian Taskforce Meeting

The International Syria Support Group

17January 2024 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Madam. Chair,

The primary source of insecurity in Syria, is the unlawful presence of certain parties in the region, creating an environment conducive to the growth of terrorist activities within the region.

We have been witnessing that some parties have contributed to the extension of war and tension in the region by choosing to stand by Israel genocide and human rights violations in Gaza and abused the situation.

In fact, in parallel with the atrocities in the Gaza Strip, Israeli regime engages in terrorism and aggression within Syrian borders, intentionally targeting civilians and critical infrastructure including attacks on airports, which directly affect the United Nations Humanitarian Aid Service.

We also condemn the recent Israeli terrorist attack against an Iranian military advisor which led to his martyrdom in Damascus. These crimes constitute a flagrant violation of international law and Israel regime should be held accountable. The presence of Iranian military forces and consultants in Syria is completely legal and based on the request of the Syrian government to combat terrorism.

Madam Chair,

The humanitarian situation in Syria remains extremely challenging and the nation is grappling with economic hardships. It should be highlighted, indeed, that the continuation of illegal UCMs is the main reason that makes the situation in Syria more fragile and creates huge negative impacts on the Syrian economy and humanitarian situation.

The imposition of UCMs, created serious negative impacts on Syria. We express our deep concern over the negative impacts of UCMs on the enjoyment of human rights by the Syrians. The lack of electricity and fuel and delay in reconstruction of civilian infrastructure, in particular in the area of energy because of UCMs, is among human rights violations in Syria.

We repeat our request to the HTF to prepare a detailed report on the negative impacts of UCMs on humanitarian aids in Syria. In spite of holding numerous meetings of the HTF regarding humanitarian situation in Syria, and reiterating the importance of this issue, the TaskForce has not yet showed the seriousness to discuss the negative impacts of UCMs on the humanitarian situation in Syria.

 

Madam Chair,

It is important to increase and enhance aid transfers through cross line mechanism, as a sustainable and constructive mechanism which has the absolute endorsement of the Syrian government and can finally improve the humanitarian situation in Syria. Terrorist organizations are the main reason still preventing access to cross line aids.

The Islamic Republic of Iran praises the decision of Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to extend its permission granted to the UN to use Bab al-Hawa crossing to deliver humanitarian assistance to the North-West of Syria for an additional period of six months until 13 July 2024.

However, the abuse of humanitarian aids by the terrorist groups in northwest of Syria is still a matter of concern and has negative consequences on the whole humanitarian operations.

 

Madam Chair,

Let me conclude by highlighting Iran`s seriousness to assist reducing the sufferings of the Syrian people.

We hope that through all means, we could achieve a durable solution and just peace in Syria as soon as possible.

 

I thank you.