Guterres highlights need for humanitarian assistance in Syria

By Nathan Morley

During a press briefing in New York marking the 10th anniversary of the Syrian conflict, Antonio Guterres said it was imperative to continue to reach all Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, he warned that the situation remained a living nightmare in the country.

“Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have died. Millions have been displaced. Countless others remain illegally detained and often tortured, missing, disappeared, or living in uncertainty and deprivation,” he told reporters.

“For 10 years, the world has watched Syria spiral into destruction and bloodshed”.

He said that 60 percent of Syrians are at risk of hunger this year and intensified cross-line and cross-border deliveries were essential to reach everyone in need.

"This is why I have repeatedly urged the Security Council to achieve consensus on this crucial matter,” he said.

Concluding, Guterres added UN would continue its pursuit of a negotiated political settlement in line with Security Council resolution 2254.

 “The parties have the opportunity to demonstrate a willingness to find common ground and recognize the need for all Syrians, whom they represent, to move beyond a perpetual state of conflict.”