Mercy Corps Statement on United Nations Security Council Renewal of Syria Cross-Border Resolution

The United Nations Security Council reauthorized the cross-border resolution in Syria, allowing one border crossing, in Bab al Hawa.

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, says:

“Aid workers supporting the Syria response are relieved today by the UN Security Council’s reauthorization of the cross-border resolution in Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing. However, we are deeply concerned that the resolution is only authorized for six months, instead of a full year.”

“The renewal of the cross-border mandate is crucial to ensure that four million people in Northwest Syria are still able to put food on their tables and provide for their families. We urge the Council to ensure that the mandate is extended, without delay, in January 2023. Anything less than 12 months will lead to severe consequences for the millions of Syrians who rely on UN-led cross-border aid to meet their needs, particularly during the harsh winter months.”

Throughout Northwest Syria, Mercy Corps supports water, sanitation, hygiene and shelter needs in displacement camps, provides cash assistance and livelihood support, and works to improve food security. Humanitarian needs in Syria increased over the last year, with 14.6 million people in need of assistance in 2022. A recent Mercy Corps report highlights how the war in Ukraine has further compounded the crisis in Northwest Syria. The price of essential food items in Northwest Syria increased up to 22% and 67% (varies by region) since the start of the war in Ukraine, and food needs have increased 8.3% for every $1 increase in flour prices and 6.2% for every $1 increase in wheat prices.