U.N. Orders Both Sides in Syria to Allow Humanitarian Aid
Source: New York Times
In a rare show of unity among world powers, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Saturday for a resolution ordering the warring parties in Syria to stop blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid, though without the immediate prospect of punishment against those who disobey.
The resolution, which is legally binding, addresses a conflict that has gone on for nearly three years, killing more than 100,000 people. It calls on the Syrian government to allow relief agencies to enter the country, including from across national borders; decries the dropping of barrel bombs by government aircraft; and strongly condemns terror attacks, plainly referring to some of the rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad.
It also calls on the United Nations secretary general to submit progress reports, and while it does not threaten sanctions, economic or otherwise, it promises to take “further steps” against those who do not comply. Britain and France, among Syria’s most biting critics on the council, indicated their readiness to introduce a resolution calling for tougher measures in the event of noncompliance.
In several places, the resolution points to the government’s singular role in blocking aid. For instance, it “demands that all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, promptly allow rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for U.N. humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners, including across conflict lines and across borders, in order to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches people in need through the most direct routes.”
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/middleeast/un-orders-both-sides-in-syria-to-allow-humanitarian-aid.html?hp
Good to see the Security Council reach unanimous agreement against using food as a weapon.