Renewed diplomatic efforts are needed to address the dire situation faced by the Syrian people, who continue to suffer from deadly attacks, displacement, economic hardships, and human rights abuses, said United Nations (UN) Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi on Thursday.
In his recent briefing to the UN Security Council, Rochdi emphasised the gravity of the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Syria, highlighting the alarming situation on the ground. Syria has experienced a recent surge in deadly drone attacks, shelling, terrorist activities, and airstrikes.
“Ultimately, we need a nationwide ceasefire in line with Security Council resolution 2254,” Rochdi said, adding, “Syrians face an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis.”
During her address, Rochdi also referred to a recent statement by Amnesty International’s Secretary-General, Agnès Callamard. Callamard highlighted that an estimated 100,000 people have gone missing or have been forcibly disappeared in Syria since 2011, primarily at the hands of the Syrian government’s security apparatus.
Rochdi further emphasised that the focus should remain on meeting the needs of the Syrian people, and that humanitarian action must be depoliticised.
Amid ongoing clashes between the Syrian government and armed opposition groups, there has recently been a notable escalation in attacks by Turkey and Russia in various regions of Syria.
Areas under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) targeted by the Turkish Armed Forces have been subjected to 34 drone attacks since the beginning of 2023, resulting in the loss of 44 lives and leaving 27 others injured, according to a recent report by North Press Agency, a website based in the region.
As Turkey’s military intensifies its attacks, civilians and AANES officials are increasingly becoming the victims of strikes, alongside military targets.
Meanwhile, since mid-June, Russian warplanes have conducted over 25 airstrikes in northwestern Syria, leading to numerous casualties and injuries, North Press Agency reported.
