Cross-border Agreement for Access to Northwest Syria—Save the Children Statement

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Aug. 10, 2023)—Reacting to this week’s announcement by the UN Secretary-General of the agreement between the UN and Government of Syria to permit the UN’s cross-border access to Northwest Syria, Rasha Muhrez, Syria Response Director for Save the Children said:

“As we move forward, children and families must continue to have the assistance they need; both to meet their immediate needs as well as to support their recovery and resilience. While this could be a step towards ensuring vulnerable children get the support they need, more clarity is needed on what this agreement will mean for the response, including beyond the six months agreed to. Humanitarian needs are larger than they have ever been before, and so predictable and principled access must be ensured by all actors, with support from the international community, so that we are working to build a better future for children in Syria.

"It is vital that local actors on the ground are consulted and engaged to ensure that the cross-border aid operation continues to be both principled and effective. This includes ensuring that they have the funding they need to meet escalating needs and that they have a meaningful role in discussions on the future of the response."

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