UN failure to help earthquake victims in north-west Syria.

political analyst · 12-03-2023 01:45PM #1

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64866689

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric was questioned by the BBC about his employer's response to the effect that the recent earthquake had on the opposition-held region in north-west Syria. His reply is detailed on the above page and also in another article that is date 14 February and linked on that page.

If the Assad regime doesn't control the Turkish border with that part of Syria then why would aid workers need permission from the regime to go across the border? Surely, human life is more important than the UN Charter.

PS: There didn't seem to be a thread about the earthquake on this forum before I created this OP.

Potential-Monke · 12-03-2023 08:52PM

Maybe if those countries stopped the in-fighting long enough, they wouldn't need the UN to help. I'm not even going to try and pretend to understand how aid to fighting countries is worked, but the UN's first and foremost responsibility is the wellbeing of their own members. I'd be reluctant to be heading into a rebel controlled area to do anything without the crazy gun-toting locals/army giving the ok first. I think I wouldn't be too wrong in saying don't care about international laws.

"His opinion is that cross-border aid is legally permitted." Opinion.

And yes, human life is more important. But whose life is more important, the victims of the earthquake, or the people going to help?

Gatling · 12-03-2023 10:08PM

Well explain why only hours after major earth quake assad forces bombed the rebel areas,

Someone should ask Assad and his Kremlin master why aid can't be safely transported to all areas effected by the horrendous Earth quake

donaghs · 13-03-2023 08:07PM

Since the Idlib pocket is mostly dominated by Al aqaeda-esque jihadis, I think most aid agencies would be treading carefully going near it.

Turkey effectively protects and allows this pocket to exist, so I think the onus is on them to let the aid in.

https://amp.france24.com/en/live-news/20210308-syria-s-idlib-what-future-for-the-rebel-holdout

Mullaghteelin · 13-03-2023 08:19PM

On the very morning of the Earthquake, the talking heads on RTÉ radio which included charity representatives, were pontificating about how aid must not be allowed to fall into the hands of Assad.

I remember thinking that if there was ever a time for normal hostilities to be suspended to distribute aid as effectively as possible, this was that time.

To politicise the distribution of aid is shameful.

Elmer Blooker · 13-03-2023 08:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120355136#Comment_120355136

Yes you’re right, the north west is controlled by ruthless jihadists but the BBC and France 24 insist in calling them ‘opposition’ and ‘rebels’.

I think it’s very unlikely that any women aid workers will be going anywhere near territory controlled by these freedom loving ‘rebels’.

Gatling · 13-03-2023 10:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120355199#Comment_120355199

Like when assputin regime bombed every hospital and medical clinics off the map ,

Let me guess they are all jihadis.

Looks like they found karma in Ukraine

L1011 · 13-03-2023 10:42PM

Entering an area that is still recognised to be part of a country that has told you not to go in there would be an invasion. UN can't be seen to do that.

political analyst · 13-03-2023 11:01PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120355694#Comment_120355694

Aid workers are not combatants and so it couldn't be an invasion. Anyway, I understand what Potential-Monke and Gatling said.

L1011 · 13-03-2023 11:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120355769#Comment_120355769

The UN organising it would be. Hence its not going to happen.

Other aid agencies are welcome to try; if they don't value their own workers safety. Unfortunately there are times when it is near impossible to provide aid.

donaghs · 24-06-2023 09:20AM

UN aid is going to Idlib now. Assad, Turks, and rebels have agreed on where the aid can enter from etc.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/23/un-aid-trucks-cross-from-syrian-govt-area-to-rebel-held-idlib

UN failure to help earthquake victims in north-west Syria.

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