YouSaid · the spoken record

Feridun Hadi Sinirlioğlu

lines on the record: 97
first: 2020-05-19
most recent: 2021-05-26
sittings or episodes: 12
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The terrorist organization PKK/YPG is one of the major obstacles to stability and peace in Syria. The PKK/YPG poses a serious threat to the territorial integrity of Syria and to the national security of Turkey. My country will continue to firmly stand against the PKK/YPG’s attempts to gain legitimacy under the guise of so- called “Syrian Democratic Forces”, as well as against its efforts to consolidate power throughout the north-east by oppression and economic incentives. In the last 12 months alone, the PKK/YPG carried out over 250 terrorist attacks, resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of Syrian civilians. The terrorist attack in Al-Bab on 6 October, which killed over 20 civilians, was one of the starkest examples of the PKK/YPG’s bloodthirsty campaign.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“We deeply appreciate the facilitation role of Special Envoy Pedersen and continue encouraging the opposition to constructively engage with the Committee. The next round of the Constitutional Committee should be held as soon as possible. We reiterate our call for accelerating the work of the Committee in a constructive and results-oriented manner. Turkey remains fully committed to ensuring a lasting ceasefire in Idlib. Preserving the ceasefire in Idlib is essential for protecting civilians, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, enabling the return of IDPs and advancing a substantial and results-oriented political process. We are taking the necessary military measures to maintain calm on the ground. Ceasefire violations and provocative actions to the detriment of the relative calm should be avoided.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“Electric supply to the region still remains only 29 per cent of that actually needed. While we exert the utmost effort to respond to the humanitarian consequences of the Syrian crisis, we also pursue our endeavours for advancing a political solution in line with the resolution 2254 (2015); maintaining calm on the ground; enabling the return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner; and denying safe haven to PKK/YPG and Da’esh and eradicating terrorist organizations from Syria. Turkey, as an Astana guarantor, played a leading role in the establishment of the Constitutional Committee and wholeheartedly supports its work.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“In Al-Bab, where 30 per cent per cent of COVID-19 cases in the region are detected, hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by the water disruption of the pumping station since February 2017. The Secretary-General, in his latest report (S/2020/1031), highlights that since then the population has been reliant on alternative, insufficient and unsafe sources. As for the Allouk water station, in the north-east, I would like to repeat once again that sustainability of the water station relies on the supply of electrical power without interruption. The local population has borne the brunt of the deliberate and regular disruption of electric lines by the Kurdish Workers Party/Kurdish People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) terrorist organization since last year.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“We must also focus on the deteriorating situation in the Al-Hol camp, where 40,000 children from more than 60 countries continue to suffer in lamentable conditions. Long-term solutions are urgently needed and these children, like all children affected by conflict, have the right to be safeguarded, including with family reunification and repatriation to their home countries. With the multiplier effect of COVID-19 vis-à-vis the humanitarian situation, access to safe water should be a priority throughout Syria. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that only 57 per cent of water stations in the north-west are functioning, of which only 80 per cent are disinfecting water.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“I repeat our call to the Security Council to immediately consider reauthorizing the Bab Al-Salam crossing point within the cross-border mechanism. Two weeks ago, on the International Day of the Girl Child, we emphasized the need to empower girls and celebrated the power of young women around the world. In Syria, women, girls and children, in general, remain prisoners of an endless horror, under the rule of the murderous regime and terrorist organizations. In the north- west, nearly 1.5 million people, 80 per cent of whom are women and children, live in more than 1,100 camps in extremely difficult conditions. As winter is imminent, our priority should be to provide shelter to these people and address their basic needs. We expect donors to pay attention to the grave humanitarian situation on the ground and channel additional contributions.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“The indiscriminate military offensive by the regime displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, squeezing millions into a narrow area along our borders. Given the dense living conditions across the region, one of the primary reasons for the increase in COVID-19 cases remains the difficulty of physical isolation. It is not surprising that half of the cases detected are in northern Aleppo. The failure of the Security Council to reauthorize the Bab Al-Salam crossing point limited cross-border humanitarian operations. With resolution 2533 (2020) we lost the most direct, effective and highly monitored route to reach 1.3 million people in northern Aleppo. This resulted in the further deterioration of the health situation. Unfortunately, we will witness further increases in cases among the population in this particular area.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for organizing this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Special Envoy Pedersen for their briefings. Since the previous Syria humanitarian meeting (see S/2020/915), the number of cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the north-west has increased dramatically. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that over 13 per cent of current cases are among medical health workers, and another 7.5 per cent among other workers involved in the health sector. These figures justify our concerns regarding the shortage of protective equipment among doctors and nurses. The increase in confirmed cases comes with an increase in testing capacity, as two additional laboratories became active in Jarablus and Afrin, bringing the total in the north-west to three.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“Turkey will continue to stand by the Syrian people and seek accountability for the blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law by the Syrian regime. As to the statement of the previous speaker, he does not represent the Syrian people and does not deserve a reply from me.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“Let us also not forget the millions of Syrians who escaped the mass murderer in Damascus by taking refuge in neighbouring countries. My country is hosting one fifth of the pre-war population of Syria and is strictly implementing the principle of non-refoulement. We continue to mobilize all our resources for the well-being of these people. It is with deep regret that we are witnessing the use of the COVID-19 pandemic in our neighbourhood as a pretext for abandoning or pushing back hundreds of migrants at sea. We continue to conduct rescue operations in order to save these people from death. Let me remind Council members that, under these precarious circumstances, the situation of refugees and migrants requires our close attention more than ever. We all have to abide by our international obligations.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“Now the regime is trying, at each and every single meeting of the Security Council, to divert attention from the enormous destruction, suffering and displacement it has inflicted on its own people. We should not forget about the innocent victims who are still waiting for justice to be served. We should not forget about the brave Syrian people who risked their lives in not surrendering to Al-Assad. Last week, after months, the Council was finally able to meet in an open format to shed light on the appalling crimes committed by the regime with chemical weapons (see S/2020/902). We should not forget the devastating humanitarian consequences of the use of chemical weapons and how the courageous Syrian doctors saved countless lives in underground hospitals.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“Let me repeat once again that the sustainability of the water system and the provision of water to Al-Hasakah at full capacity depends on the uninterrupted supply of electrical power to the station. The Kurdish Workers Party/Kurdish People’s Protection Units has regularly and deliberately disrupted electricity to the water station for almost a year. As of today, electric supply to the region corresponds only to 29 per cent of the actual needs. Those with influence on the disrupters should take necessary actions. The Al-Assad regime started 2020 with an indiscriminate military campaign that targeted densely populated areas in Idlib, such as homes, hospitals and schools. We saw the worst humanitarian disaster that Syria has seen in nine years of conflict.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“The failure of the Security Council to re-authorize the Bab Al-Salam crossing point in July continues to create various challenges and has put millions of lives at risk. It is obvious that the limited cross-border delivery will have grave repercussions on the health situation, which is already deteriorating at a large scale. We call on the Security Council to uphold its responsibility and immediately consider re-authorizing the Bab Al-Salam gate for cross-border humanitarian operations. As to the disruption challenges regarding the Allouk water station in the north- east, we continue our efforts, in cooperation with the United Nations and relevant countries, to find a durable solution.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“The high number of confirmed cases among doctors and nurses indicates the gravity of the situation. In the north-west, COVID-19 continues to have a multiplier effect vis- à-vis the already dire humanitarian situation. Together with the United Nations, we strive to channel medical aid via the cross-border mechanism to the more than 4 million people living in the area. Since the adoption of the resolution 2533 (2020), we have ensured the safe passage of 718 trucks full of humanitarian assistance through the Bab Al-Hawa border gate. Around 3 million people in the north-west are highly vulnerable and rely on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs, such as shelter, food and water.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“Last week, the Council discussed the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on peace and security (see S/2020/897). A serious outbreak could happen at any time in Syria. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicates that during the past two months, the pandemic across Syria has rapidly evolved. Given the limited testing in the country, it is likely that the majority of the cases are undetected and that the actual number of cases may far exceed official figures. Syria is a country with a highly vulnerable population and a devastated health system. There is also a shortage of personal protective equipment. Under the pressure of a regime that kills its own people, it is not surprising that these front-line workers are being exposed to the pandemic without any means of protection.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing and commend the devoted efforts of humanitarian workers in Syria. As one of the largest humanitarian organizations worldwide, the Turkish Red Crescent Society has been among the first to respond to the emerging needs of Syrian people. This week, terrorists targeted a Turkish Red Crescent convoy in Al-Bab, killing one and injuring another. We strongly condemn that heinous terrorist attack, which is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes a crime, according to the Geneva Conventions. We will hold the perpetrators accountable. Syria is one of the most dangerous places on Earth, not only for Syrian civilians but also for all humanitarian aid workers.”
2020-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/915 (2020) · source
“We remain committed to Afghanistan’s development on all fronts, and we will continue to support the Afghan people’s aspirations to a peaceful, secure and stable future.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“From 2018 to date, we have conducted almost 300 projects throughout the country, focusing primarily on education, health, good governance, capacity-building and agriculture. We will continue to play our part in helping the Afghan people, particularly in terms of capacity-building, education for girls and developing health infrastructure. Let me also emphasize our strong support for the central role assumed by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in assisting the Afghan people in various fields. We hope that the negotiations regarding the renewal of its mandate will be finalized successfully so as to enable UNAMA to continue with its critical activities. Finally, Turkey reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Regional consensus is a must for an enduring peace. At the same time, we see a proliferation of initiatives and formats seeking to ensure regional and international support for an eventual peace. Existing platforms that enjoy a vast membership and great expertise, such as the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, can be utilized as an umbrella platform at this critical time, as well as to assist post-peace stabilization efforts. Let me emphasize Turkey’s readiness to contribute to peace efforts in its national capacity or through regional processes. In the run-up to the Geneva conference, we expect that donors will also consider the increasing needs on the ground in the face of the pandemic. For the years 2018 to 2020, Turkey has pledged $150 million for Afghanistan’s development.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“At this critical juncture, unity has become even more essential within Afghan political groups in order to master the challenging tasks ahead for the future of Afghanistan. We stress the importance of an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. We welcomed and supported the United States-Taliban agreement of 29 February, with a view to paving the way for the intra-Afghan negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the country. Peace should be built on the gains of the past 19 years. We should preserve and strengthen respect for fundamental rights. All our efforts towards the empowerment of women and girls should not be wasted. We fully embrace the international community’s call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which is essential to creating a conducive environment for the peace talks.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“An effective fight against the pandemic and the stability of Afghanistan will depend on improved security. In the face of such enormous challenges, Afghanistan needs the international community’s support more than ever. With this understanding, Turkey has delivered health-care assistance to Afghanistan as a solid display of its solidarity with the Afghan people and as another reflection of the deep-rooted relations between Turkey and Afghanistan, on the eve of their 100th anniversary next year. There is now a historic chance for peace in Afghanistan. The Afghan people urgently need a sustainable peace, and the opportunity presented by the current momentum must be seized.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“The deliberate targeting of civilians and humanitarian workers is a stark reminder that those who wish to derail the peace process have no scruples about violating even the most fundamental human values. We strongly condemn these attacks and reaffirm our full support for Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has increased the vulnerability of the civilian population by deepening poverty and reducing access to essential services. The provision of sustained health services to those in need remains all the more critical, which requires collective effort and cooperation by the Afghan Government and the international community. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan serves to further underscore the urgency of reducing violence in the country.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lyons and Mr. Saad Mohseni for their briefings, and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Raz, for her statement. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2020/809). The volatile security situation in Afghanistan remains alarming. The continuing violence has devastating repercussions for all Afghans, in particular for vulnerable groups, which have already suffered immensely for decades. The Secretary-General reports that the security situation in the country puts the lives of children at risk more than those of any other group. The United Nations verified more than 600 child casualties during the second quarter of 2020 alone. The conflict also continues to take a heavy toll on women and girls.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“The report (S/1867/2020) of the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team on the three chemical attacks that took place in March 2017 in Ltamenah is just the latest documentation of the ever- growing record of the Syrian regime’s crimes against humanity. I will not respond to the regime representative’s lies and fabrications. I wonder how they can continue to believe that they can deceive the international community with their lies. We believe that they will be held accountable for their heinous crimes, and their atrocities against the people of Syria will be recorded in the darkest pages of history.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We expect the international community to support the Committee’s viable functioning and to not allow the regime to backtrack. Last week marked the seventh anniversary of the 2013 Ghouta chemical attack, where the Al-Assad regime massacred hundreds of civilians in a single day. The horrifying images still haunt us to this day. That was neither the first nor the last time the murderous regime used chemical weapons against its own people. In each and every incident in Syria, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has arrived at the same stark conclusion: the regime is responsible for chemical attacks against civilians.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Maintaining the ceasefire is essential for improving the humanitarian situation, facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their homes and reviving the political process. The only way to end the Syrian conflict is through the United Nations- mediated political solution process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). With that understanding, we have been focusing on the stabilization of the situation in Idlib and the establishment of a credible, balanced and legitimate Constitutional Committee. We welcome the convening of the third session of the Constitutional Committee on 24 August in Geneva. Turkey will spare no effort to ensure the success of the Committee, which is a milestone in the political process.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We should be vigilant against attempts by the regime and the PKK/YPG to gain legitimacy by exploiting the pandemic as a pretext. The PKK/YPG seeks to consolidate its power throughout the north-east by oppression and economic incentives, such as so-called oil contracts and legislation to confiscate property. Let me be clear — Turkey will never condone such attempts. We continue our efforts to preserve the ceasefire in Idlib, despite violations by the regime. Idlib is the last refuge for Syrians fleeing Al-Assad, and it should be protected at all costs. As always, Turkey reserves the right to use force to respond to any attack by the regime or radical groups.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Thanks to our repeated démarches towards those who have influence on the PKK/YPG, electricity flow to Allouk has been resumed, and the pumping of water from the station has been recently restored. However, its sustainability and the provision of water to Al-Hasakah at full capacity depends on the uninterrupted supply of electric power. We are ready to work with the United Nations in order to find a durable solution. The Secretary-General reports that insufficient potable and farming water supply in Al-Bab also affects water access for the local population and the ability to maintain health and hygiene standards. We should not let terrorist organizations and the Al-Assad regime use water resources as a weapon to further weaken the Syrian people for their separatist and malicious agendas.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“However, the rapidly rising number of cases since the first COVID-19 case was recorded in the region is concerning. In addition, the lack of access to water and sanitation exacerbates the effects of the pandemic. The Security Council has listened to the lies of the regime representative on the Allouk water station. Now let me set the record straight — water pumps serving the station operate on electric power from the Tishrin Dam, which is under the control of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG). Since last November, electricity to the Allouk station has been regularly and deliberately cut by the PKK/YPG.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“The Al-Assad regime and its backers have conducted at least 530 attacks on hundreds of health facilities and destroyed the basic infrastructure of the country. It is estimated that Syria has the capacity to treat only 6,500 cases of COVID-19, due to its limited health-care capacity. As of today, at least 60 doctors in Syria have lost their lives to COVID-19. A high number of fatalities among health-care workers is an important indicator of widespread communal infection and lack of protective equipment and training. Yet, due to a lack of reliable information, we do not know the severity of the situation in regime-controlled areas. Our humanitarian partners emphasize that, due to medical aid channelled in from Turkey, north-west Syria is the best-prepared region to mitigate the effects of an outbreak.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Since the closure of the Bab Al-Salam crossing point, my Government, together with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is striving to respond to the immense humanitarian needs in the north-west. We have been working to increase the capacity for Bab Al-Hawa crossing point. However, access from Bab Al-Hawa will be limited and the United Nations will need to address the additional costs and challenges related to longer distances. Let me repeat once again that the so-called cross-line access is not an option for the north-west and can never replace cross-border humanitarian deliveries. On the pandemic front, the means and measures to combat a possible outbreak is insufficient.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“First, I would like to thank Acting Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham for his briefing. As we recently marked World Humanitarian Day, we pay tribute to all humanitarian workers for their sacrifice. These unsung heroes do a remarkable job each and every day, especially for the Syrian people. Resolution 2533 (2020) is a devastating blow for Syria, which is on the brink of a widespread coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, with a severely weakened health infrastructure. The loss of the Bab Al-Salam crossing point interrupted direct access to parts of northern Aleppo. Unfortunately, the Security Council failed to reauthorize the most direct, effective and highly monitored route to reach 1.3 million people.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“The COVID-19 crisis is now a litmus test for global cooperation and solidarity, and is a stark reminder that we cannot recover from the current crisis unless we address our existing vulnerabilities. We must keep multilateralism alive. We cannot let it be another casualty of COVID-19.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“They now face new waves of suffering due to border closures and limited access to health-care services. It is true that the pandemic has brought to the surface the shortcomings of the existing system for international cooperation and coordination. But the need for effective multilateralism has also become more evident than ever. We must remember that no country is safe until all are safe. A lack of trust in multilateralism is on the rise because there is a lack of cooperation and solidarity among nations. At such a critical juncture in world history, what we do today will define tomorrow. We will either try to confine ourselves within our borders and watch the unravelling of what humankind has achieved, with pain and blood, over the past century, or we will prevail together through greater cooperation and solidarity.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Peace operations and troop rotations are already being hampered by the outbreak, and mediation and facilitation efforts are stalled due to restrictions on movement. It is essential that we place some of our focus on building resilience and promoting good governance in vulnerable regions and countries. The pandemic has also given rise to a new wave of hate speech and misinformation, causing scapegoating, stigmatization, discrimination and xenophobic nationalism. While violence against women and girls is rising globally, disruptions to employment opportunities in critical health, humanitarian and development programmes have devastating consequences, especially for women and girls. We must also remember that COVID-19 has exacerbated the tragedy of displaced people.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“They are facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis, with potentially extreme economic, social and sustainable development consequences that may reverse decades of progress in development and further jeopardize efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, the international community urgently needs to unlock ambitious support to developing countries to prevent loss of life, contain the risk of aftershocks and invest in sustainable recovery. The pandemic also presents enormous challenges for fragile States and conflict regions. Terrorist organizations are seeking ways to fill in any vacuums and create favourable conditions to spread instability.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The immediate problems are manifold. On the one hand, in many parts of the world, especially in the least developed countries, diagnostic tests and basic equipment are urgently needed to fight against the spread of the virus and ensure effective medical responses. We must step up our efforts to make sure that no one is left behind. The pandemic is also a major disruptive event for the global economy. The efforts to contain the virus save lives but restrict economic activity. There has already been a huge fall in global trade, and more change is looming on the horizon. The heavy economic toll might push 70 to 100 million people into extreme poverty. While even the healthiest economies require big bailout plans from Governments, least developed countries and developing countries are being hit hardest by the pandemic.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a challenge that might define this era. What started as a public-health issue has quickly turned into a global crisis with severe social, economic, political and security implications. It could be the first truly global phenomenon underwritten by the very dynamics of globalization. It might also bring about the end of globalization as we know it. We are still in the middle of unfolding events and must find our way through this crisis. Meanwhile, in the face of this unprecedented challenge, we must first ensure that the immediate humanitarian crisis is addressed. An effective and coordinated international response is urgently needed. This must be followed by a collective and rigorous effort to protect the achievements of the law-based multilateral system and revive our faith in multilateralism.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The previous speaker again repeated his usual delusional allegations and shameless lies and does not deserve any response from me. It is the Syrian people who will answer the criminal regime he represents when they save and rebuild their country. These criminals — the Al-Assad regime and its representatives — will be held accountable and brought to justice for all the war crimes and crimes against humanity they have committed.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“Renewal of the mechanism with two current crossing points in the north-west and one additional gate in the north-east is an absolute necessity. To enable the United Nations and its partners for longer-term humanitarian planning under the unpredictable circumstances resulting from COVID-19, the Security Council must authorize the mechanism without delay and for at least 12 months, as Under-Secretary-General Lowcock has requested. This is not a political matter, but our humanitarian duty for millions of Syrians. The Security Council has the obligation to prevent the recurrence of another humanitarian tragedy in Syria. It is time for the international community to stay united and act in concert. This is what the Syrian people expect from all of us now.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“We thought we had seen the worst in Syria. But now we are faced with a situation where the regime is ready to use COVID-19 as a biological weapon by further restricting humanitarian access. Since February, the Secretary-General has published three reports, all of which emphasize the suffering of the Syrian people at the hands of the Al-Assad regime. For more than nine years, my country has assumed the responsibility of protecting the Syrian people on behalf of the international community, not only in Syria but also in our own homeland. We will continue to do so until Syrian people’s dignity is restored. That can be achieved only with the strong support of the Security Council. In the face of the pandemic, we need the cross-border mechanism more than ever.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“The electricity supply from Tishrin Dam to Ras Al-Ayn is interrupted on a regular basis by the terrorist organization People’s Protection Units/Kurdistan Workers’ Party. Furthermore, the Tishrin Dam is the only source of electrical power to the region. As the water pumps operate on electrical power, the power cut in Ras Al-Ayn affects the proper functioning of the Allouk water station and eventually constrains the water supply from the south. As we have explained on numerous occasions, the allegation that the water supply to the Al-Hasakah region has been deliberately prevented is baseless. And, as it comes from the murderous Al-Assad regime, it is a shameless lie. In the last 10 years, the Al-Assad regime has killed hundreds of thousands of people. The regime has used chemical weapons, shelled schools and bombed hospitals.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“Otherwise, the pandemic could create additional devastating consequences for civilians. Once the Security Council provides the necessary authorization, we are ready to immediately operationalize the Tel Abyad border gate for cross-border assistance and meet all the humanitarian needs in the north-east. I would also like to touch upon issues relating to water and electricity supplies. Despite our repeated calls and initiatives, there is a serious shortage of electricity and water supply in Ras Al-Ayn and Al-Bab. This is causing serious concern among the local populations and impedes efforts to effectively combat COVID-19. Electricity grids to the Ras Al-Ayn region and the water supply lines to the Al-Bab region come from the south.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“By disrupting the humanitarian response, the regime is weaponizing the virus against Syrian civilians. In his review of United Nations humanitarian cross-line and cross-border operations (S/2020/401), the Secretary-General reports that, since the closure of Al-Yarubiyah border gate, diminished cross-line deliveries can cover only 31 per cent of the facilities previously supported. Again, the regime imposes death or surrender as the only options. To meet the needs of hospitals, we must urgently authorize the United Nations to conduct cross-border humanitarian aid in the region. As recommended by the Secretary-General, the Tel Abyad border gate is the most feasible alternative to Al-Yarubiyah. The people of the region urgently need the inclusion of Tel Abyad in the aid mechanism.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“More than 10,000 test kits and thousands of other pandemic-related items have been delivered to Idlib through the cross-border mechanism. However, these figures cover only 1 per cent of current needs. It is crucial that all international stakeholders, especially the World Health Organization, increase their humanitarian assistance. Donors must also continue to prioritize funding for this response. We must note that the United Nations cross-border assistance is the only way to meet the humanitarian needs of these people. There is no alternative that can match the scale and scope of these operations. In this time of pandemic, we must strengthen the existing mechanism. In the north-east, the health-care system is broken, and there is no capacity to mitigate the pandemic.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region. Yet, given the population density, the number of highly vulnerable groups, the insufficient means available and the inadequate measures taken, this is a high-risk region. Against the backdrop of this imminent threat, United Nations cross-border operations continue unabated, with the support and facilitation of my Government. We have increased the duration and volume of deliveries via Bab Al-Hawa and Bab Al-Salam. As a result, in March and April, the number of truck crossings per month reached the highest levels. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Turkish Red Crescent have dispatched masks, coveralls and ventilators to north-west Syria.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“I thank the President of the Security Council for organizing today’s meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing and salute the work of all humanitarian workers intended to help the Syrian people. More than 9 million Syrians live under the care and protection of Turkey. Nearly 5 million of them live right across Turkey’s border with Syria. I am participating in today’s meeting to voice what those individuals urgently expect from the international community. In the north-west, the situation in Idlib remains desperate. The regime’s indiscriminate military campaign has made the health services in place unprepared to confront the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Today only 55 per cent of the health facilities in the region are operational, while 75 per cent of health workers have fled or been killed.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source