The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is calling for more access to Syrian territories affected by the deadly earthquake to replenish relief supplies that have been depleted, with the organization’s executive director calling the situation in the northwest of the country a “catastrophe”.
“The stocks we have are running out fast, especially the ready-to-eat feeds, and need to be replenished quickly. To do that, we need access,” said David Beasley.
In the past, aid has been brought into northwest Syria via Turkey from the Bab al-Hawa pass – the only entry point authorized by the UN Security Council.
A resolution proposing more border openings between Turkey and Syria was vetoed by Russia and China.
The other route was through “crossed lines”, aid coming from Syrian government territory to the rebel-held northwest.
“The only crossing authorized by the Security Council has reopened, but road damage and slow customs clearance are significantly hampering movement,” Beasley said.
“We need to resume and increase cross operations from inside Syria. This is not the time for anyone to politicize aid.”
WFP aims to provide ready meals for 100,000 people in northwest Syria and have regular rations for 1.4 million people with partners ready for distribution.
But the organization still needs $700 million to feed nearly 6 million people in Syria.
“Northwest Syria is catastrophe upon catastrophe,” Beasley said.
“Now, in the middle of winter, many are displaced again, sleeping in tents and whatever shelter they can find with very limited services.”
Source: CNN Brasil
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