Security Council unanimously agrees to extend Syria cross-border aid lifeline

Trucks transporting food, medicine and other desperately needed aid into northwestern Syria from Türkiye, will continue their lifesaving journeys for another six months following a vote in the UN Security Council on January 9.

Ambassadors unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the renewal of the cross-border mechanism, a day before it was set to expire. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has taken note of the development, his Spokesperson said in a statement, which described the humanitarian operation as an “indispensable lifeline” for some 4.1 million people in the region. 

“The decision to confirm the extension of that authorization for an additional six months comes as humanitarian needs have reached the highest levels since the start of the conflict in 2011, with people in Syria grappling with a harsh winter and a cholera outbreak,” it said.   

Resolution 2672 facilitates aid transport via the Bab al-Hawa crossing through a mechanism established nearly nine years ago. 

“This resolution allows humanitarian actors, particularly the United Nations and its agencies, to continue to reach those in need in a coordinated and carefully monitored manner,” said Swiss Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl, speaking after the vote. 

“Rapid, unimpeded and sustainable access is needed,” she added.  “We call on all parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.”