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Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Monday, 12 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 April 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Syria: Humanitarian Aid

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they (1) have taken, or (2) plan to take, to achieve the re-opening of former crossing points into Syria for humanitarian supplies at (a) Bab al-Salam, (b) Yarubiyah, and (c) al-Ramtha.

Answer

Securing aid cross-border aid access into Syria is a top priority for the UK. The UK regularly raises the issue of UN-mandated cross-border access, and we are using our position at the UN Security Council, and in bilateral discussions, to push for greater aid access into Syria and to urge renewal of Resolution 2533. Russia, backed by China, has reduced cross-border aid access into Syria, placing political support for the Assad regime above lifesaving support for the Syrian people.

The UK is clear that assistance via Damascus alone will not sufficiently meet the needs across the whole of Syria and so remains committed to the delivery of aid to those most in need in Syria, through all mechanisms. After a decade of conflict, it is essential to renew the resolution to avoid further humanitarian disaster.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14756
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Access Humanitarian aid Syria
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk