Energy, financial crises threaten humanitarian support for Syria: IFRC

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Sep 2022 12:42

The energy and financial crises that have plagued the world could hinder the arrival of humanitarian support to Syria.

UN humanitarian aid trucks enter northwest Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey on June 1, 2021. © 2021 Associated Press.

The energy and financial challenges facing Europe pose a threat to the ongoing provision of humanitarian relief to Syria, according to Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

"My concern is that because of the energy crisis and financial crisis, we are hearing many rumors about the cutting of humanitarian aid in Syria and everywhere, and this is a reason of concern for those who are in need of support, especially in Syria," Rocca answered when asked about continued aid for Syria through winter.

Rocca emphasized that the assessment is not a political verdict but rather a remark about how occasionally sanctions have an adverse effect on the most defenseless.

High inflation and an impending energy crisis in Europe are caused by a reduction in supplies as a result of restrictions on Russian energy. At an emergency meeting on September 30, EU energy ministers are anticipated to endorse fresh initiatives to rein in rising energy prices.

The energy crisis in Europe did not start with Russia's military operation in Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions, but with the so-called "green" agenda, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his speech Friday.

The current energy crisis prompted leaders such as German Finance Minister Christian Lindner to suggest the restoration of nuclear power plant operations, which were phased out in Germany starting in 2011.

In July, the United Nations Security Council agreed to extend a system for cross-border aid to Syria for six months, as requested by Russia, diplomats told AFP.

The agreement will be renewed for another six months in January 2023, subject to the adoption of a new resolution, according to the diplomats.

The extension came after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution for six months, to deliver humanitarian aid across the Turkish border to the Syrian Bab Al-Hawa crossing.