WCC NEWS: WCC expresses grave concern over expiry of UN resolution allowing cross-border humanitarian assistance to North West Syria

In a letter to the UN Security Council, World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed grave concern over the impending expiry on 10 July of the resolution allowing cross-border humanitarian assistance to North West Syria. Syrian refugee family in Hungary on their way to western Europe, 2015. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 05 July 2021 “If the Security Council fails to renew this resolution, the supply of food assistance for more than one million people at risk of hunger will be imperiled, as will the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations, critical medical supplies and other vital humanitarian assistance for many more,” reads the letter. “I appeal to all members of the Security Council to take urgent action to avert this morally unacceptable outcome.” There are an estimated 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in North West Syria that can only be reached by cross-border operations. “Lifesaving humanitarian assistance to so many people in need must not be impeded by political considerations,” Sauca wrote. “It is our collective responsibility to our fellow human beings.” The letter concludes: “I urge you to renew authorization for cross-border humanitarian operations through Bab al-Hawa, and to reopen the crossings at Bab al-Salam and al-Yarubiyah, without delay.” WCC member churches in Syria See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland