Tag: Middle East

“It is deeply troubling that, for over a year, the intra-Syrian political process has been in deep freeze,” he said, speaking via videoconference. “A political process is the right of the Syrian people they are entitled to chart their own destiny.”

Mr. Pedersen said Syrians both inside and outside the country continue to suffer severely from the conflict, now in its 12th year, “and the absence of a genuine political process is deeply detrimental to their well-being.”

Collapsing economy, rising prices

He pointed to the further collapse of the Syrian economy as one indicator of this immense suffering. Last week, the Syrian pound hit an all-time low of 15,500 to the United States dollar, compared with 47 pounds to the dollar in 2011.

Prices for food, medicine, fuel and other essential goods are “spiralling out of control”, he added, and many families are struggling to get enough to eat.

Meanwhile, Syria also continues to confront challenges in areas such as displacement, detentions, human rights abuses and terrorism, in addition to the de facto division of the country, which is undermining its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Suffering will worsen

“The tragic reality is that, for as long as violent conflict continues, and the political process is blocked, the suffering of the Syrian people will simply get worse. Syria cannot fix its economy while it is in a state of conflict. And this applies to the many other crises that ravage Syria,” he said.

He stressed that moving towards implementing Security Council resolution 2254 is the only way to begin addressing the many crises afflicting Syria.

The 2015 resolution endorsed a road map for a peace process and set timetables for UN-facilitated talks between the Government and the opposition, and a nationwide ceasefire.

Aid access welcomed

Turning to humanitarian developments, Mr. Pedersen welcomed the recent decision to re-open the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Türkiye, allowing aid to reach millions in northwest Syria – the last opposition stronghold – for another six months.

He also hailed the extension of authorization for the UN to use two other crossings, Bab al-Salam and Al- Ra’ee, for an additional three months, which were opened following the devastating earthquakes that struck the two countries in February.

Syria also consented for humanitarians to cross the lines within the country at two northwestern cities, Sarmada and Saraqib, for aid delivery over the next six months.

Humanitarian funding shortfall

“It is indeed essential that the UN and its partners continue providing cross-border humanitarian assistance, at the necessary scale and in a principled manner that allows engagement with all parties, for the purposes of seeking humanitarian access, and in a manner that safeguards the UN’s operational independence,” he said.

The Special Envoy also called for increased support for humanitarian operations in Syria. A $5.4 billion plan for operations this year is only around 25 per cent funded, while another to support Syrian refugees in the region is only 10 per cent funded.

In concluding his remarks, Mr. Pedersen reiterated the need for a political process, adding that everyone is paying a heavy price for the conflict, though mostly the Syrian people.

“As international attention and funding for Syria wane, the situation will become ever more unsustainable,” he warned. “The only path out of this is a political process that involves the Syrian parties themselves, in line with resolution 2254.”

UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg provided an update on his mediation efforts, both in the country and abroad, while Edem Wosornu of the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, reported on access impediments and funding gaps affecting aid delivery to millions.

Yemen continues to face a protracted political, humanitarian and developmental crisis after more than eight years of fighting between pro-Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels.

An initial two-month truce signed in April 2022 expired that October after two extensions.

Translate willingness into action

Mr. Grundberg has continued engagements with the parties and with Saudi Arabia and Oman.

“The sides continue to display general willingness to seek solutions, but this still needs to translate into concrete steps, in particular, a clear agreement on the way forward that includes restarting an inclusive Yemeni political process,” he said.

He added that hostilities have not returned to pre-truce levels despite its expiration, and civilian casualties have significantly declined. However, sporadic fighting and exchanges of gunfire continue on some fronts, particularly in the governorates of Taiz, Marib, Dhale, Hodeida, Shabwa, and Sa’ada.

“Against this backdrop, there have been public threats to return to war. This rhetoric is not conducive to maintaining a fruitful mediation environment.” he said, calling for restraint and dialogue.

Economic woes, power cuts

The envoy also addressed the dire economic situation in Yemen, where the warring parties “continue to resort to antagonistic economic measures” which are hurting civilians and fuelling mistrust.

He said the Yemeni Government is still being prevented from exporting petroleum products, its main revenue source, while trade remains curtailed due to restrictions, exorbitant fees and taxes.

Meanwhile, provision of basic services is deteriorating, with citizens facing electricity cuts lasting up to 18 hours in the summer heat. He welcomed a $1.2 billion Saudi pledge which will help to keep the power on and pay some public salaries.

‘Fertile grounds’ for violent extremism

Mr. Grundberg warned that “political and economic instability are fertile grounds for violent extremist groups.”

He expressed concern over reports of the recent increase in activities of violent extremists in Abyan and Shabwa governorates, saying “this is yet another reminder of the consequences of the long-term absence of a political settlement to the conflict.”

The UN envoy appealed for the continued unity and support of the Security Council and the international community for his mediation efforts.

“The fragility of the situation and its impact on Yemeni women and men highlight the urgent need to reach a consensus on the way forward,” he said.

“My Office is working to convene the parties to address some of their immediate priorities to build confidence and move toward an inclusive and sustainable political settlement.”

Aid access and funding

On the humanitarian front, both officials condemned the murder of World Food Programme (WFP) staff member Moayad Hameidi in Taiz governorate on 21 July.

“This attack, and others like it, show just how real the threats to the safety and security of aid workers are – from violence to kidnapping, harassment, misinformation and disinformation,” said Ms. Wosornu, OCHA’s Director of Operations and Advocacy.

She added that access and funding are two of the most pressing issues facing humanitarians in Yemen, amid rising misinformation and disinformation. As a result, operations are becoming even more difficult and dangerous.

“Aid workers continue to experience attempted interference in all stages of humanitarian activities, as well as extensive movement restrictions—which particularly impact our women national staff and all those they serve,” she said.

The UN and partners are aiming to reach more than 17 million people across Yemen this year. However, a $4.3 billion plan is only around 30 per cent funded, and she urged greater support from the international community.

Ms. Wosornu stressed that while a political resolution to the conflict is vital, it alone will not solve the humanitarian crisis.

“Only when such progress is pursued together with improved economic conditions and the re-establishment of essential services will we see humanitarian needs begin to decrease,” she said.