Irish humanitarian aid agencies express disappointment

Four Irish aid agencies (Trocaire, Oxfam Ireland, GOAL and World Vision Ireland) have acknowledged the UN Security Council vote to keep the vital and only remaining border aid crossing between Türkiye and Northwest Syria open for another six months, until 10th Jan 2023.

However, the agencies say the fact the agreement was only to keep the border crossing open for six-months makes it difficult to plan for the level of critical aid that is now required.

“This still means huge uncertainty for the 4.1 million people trapped in Northwest Syria already living in appalling misery and dependent on food, medical care and shelter, delivered by way of the border crossing.“ the agencies said in a joint statement.

The aid agencies appreciated the diplomacy shown by the Irish Government (as an elected member of the Security Council for the 2021-22 term) to seek an extension of the border mechanism for a further twelve months, which would have provided a more stable solution.

“While we welcome the fact that for now vital humanitarian aid can still be delivered through the one remaining border crossing at Bab al-Hawa, a more long-term solution is required” the statement said.

ENDS