Jack Sproson News Today

In a country long traumatized by torture, Putin’s victims hope to get their day in court.

The UN mandate that allowed humanitarian agencies to send aid through a single border crossing in northern Syria has lapsed. The future of such deliveries is now worryingly unclear. By Cathrin Schaer and Omar Albam

The politicisation of health and humanitarian aid in Syria has adversely affected access to essential aid for millions of civilians; something which was seen starkly in the wake of the February 2023 earthquakes. Early in the conflict, interrupted aid to areas outside of government control led to calls for cross-border aid from neighbouring countries.

The UN mandate that allowed humanitarian agencies to send aid through a single border crossing in northern Syria has lapsed. The future of such deliveries is now worryingly unclear.

Syrians have suffered years of hardship from regime bombings and assaults. Aid and food have also been another weapon used by Russia and the regime against opposition areas, but NGOs and legal experts argue there are alternatives.

On Monday, the UN decides on cross-border aid into Syria. So far, it seems Russia will not veto the resolution. But how can this problem, that turns Syria's displaced into diplomatic pawns, be resolved in the long term?

On Monday, the UN decides on cross-border aid into Syria. So far, it seems that Russia will not veto the resolution. Displaced Syrians are hoping that they won't be used as diplomatic pawns again.