Australia behind Syrian aid resolution at Security Council

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Millions of Syrians could finally receive life-saving aid after a ground-breaking unanimous vote in the UN Security Council, World Vision said today.

The humanitarian agency welcomes the resolution allowing cross-border convoys of emergency aid to Syria from neighbouring countries and across conflict lines. All 15 members of the Security Council voted in support of the resolution to allow aid to reach the millions of Syrians in desperate need.

Australia, which was appointed a non-permanent council member in October 2012, co-authored the agreement giving the UN and their implementing partners access to Syria, including through border crossings in Turkey, Iraq and Jordan to deliver humanitarian assistance.

World Vision Australia’s chief executive Tim Costello said that the resolution has the potential to ensure life-saving aid reaches the many vulnerable people living in hard-to-access areas.

“World Vision has been advocating for safe humanitarian access to reach millions in desperate need in Syria. This Security Council resolution is a good step in the right direction,” Mr Costello said.

The agency warned that the resolution is just the first of many actions needed to ensure the protection, safety and wellbeing of children in Syria. Australia’s co-sponsors of the resolution were Jordan and Luxembourg.

“We call on the parties to the conflict to comply with the resolution and ensure that Syrians have access to the life-saving assistance they need.”

Children are still being killed, injured, displaced, and denied access to life-saving food, education, healthcare and psychosocial support.

“Many Syrians are living from day to day, in fear and aid agencies so far have not been able to reach many of them safely,” Mr Costello said.

World Vision has been responding to the crisis since 2011 in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. World Vision has reached 250,000 people in Syria with interventions including food, water, healthcare, sanitation and basic supplies. The response still requires a significant increase in funding to meet the immediate needs of Syrians and refugees in neighbouring countries.

“The violence has gone on long enough; we call on all parties to the conflict to reach a peaceful resolution.”

To donate to World Vision Australia’s Syrian Refugee Crisis Appeal call 13 32 40 or visit www.worldvision.com.au/Syria

Tim Costello, World Vision Australia chief executive, is available for interview.

Gabrielle Brophy, 0407 575 112 or gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Emergencies, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Conflict, Foreign Aid, Humanitarian, Iraq, Jordan, Refugee Crisis, Syria, United Nations

Back to all Results