Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 26th April. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Thursday briefed the members of the UNSC and told that the war in Gaza continues to cast a dark shadow over the wider Middle East region, in particular Syria where a series of airstrikes and attacks are exacerbating an dire humanitarian situation.
Geir Pedersen called for a regional de-escalation, with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
He said in addition to the regional spillover effects, Pedersen expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict within Syria itself.
Pedersen stated “There are in fact no signs of calm in any of Syria’s theaters – only unresolved conflicts, bubbling violence, and sharp flares of hostilities, any of which could be the kindling for a new conflagration.”
He highlighted the bleak humanitarian situation, stressed the need for greater access and generous donor support to alleviate the suffering of millions.
The envoy stressed that the economic situation remains equally troubling with food prices doubling within the past year and the Syrian Pound witnessing a 15-fold fall in its value compared to the USD since 2020.
“The unending suffering borne by Syrians carries knock-on effects for the most vulnerable,” he said.
Pedersen warned “many interlocutors tell my office about increasing gender-based violence, as well as negative coping mechanisms such as early marriage or women forced into prostitution.”
He said there needs to be a new and comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges facing Syria.
Pedersen added that he remained resolute in his commitment to find a path towards peace in Syria
Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination, at the UN humanitarian affairs office emphasized the risks facing aid workers and echoed the dire assessment.
WHO staffer working on water and sanitation assistance in Deir ez Zor in eastern Syria was killed when the building was hit by an airstrike.
He noted the impact of unexploded ordinance, landmines, and other such weapons on civilians.
“Agricultural land is particularly impacted, with significant consequences for food production and livelihoods,” he said.
He noted that children form the majority of the casualties.
Mr. Rajasingham added that with the summer approaching the risk of drought, heatwaves, cholera and other health risks will increase, amid already limited water and sanitation services.
He warned “This will in turn increase sexual and reproductive health and protection risks for women and adolescent girls who tend to be exposed to higher levels of gender-based violence due to lack of privacy at and anitation facilities and the need to venture further to retrieve water.”
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