Al-Othaimeen Calls for Unhindered Access to Humanitarian Relief in all Areas in Syria

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, warned against the siege policy which has become a serious phenomenon in the Syrian crisis in recent times, where about 4 million people live in besieged areas and areas difficult to reach, citing the siege of the eastern Ghouta and all forms of shelling to which it has been subjected to, and its targeting with internationally banned chemical weapons. He said that what happened is part of a series of cruel and inhumane practices in Syria that is contrary to the most basic rules of international humanitarian law, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He called on the international community to honour its responsibilities by taking immediate steps required to conduct an international transparent investigation, in line with the international mechanisms and terms of reference and to ensure immediate, unhindered access to humanitarian relief for all civilians in all besieged areas.

Ambassador Ismat Jahan, Permanent Representative of the Organization to the European Union Commission, delivered today the speech of the Secretary General at the Second Brussels Conference the Future of Syria and the Region, which started on Tuesday, 24 April 2018, where he said that the UN Security Council failed to end the Syrian crisis despite the success of some of its decisions in mitigating the human sufferings.

The Secretary General emphasized that the Organization has been firm in its commitment to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria based on Geneva I communique, and support the UN-led political process conducive to a Syrian-led and owned political transition.

Al-Othaimeen stressed that the organization stands with the global effort to end the crisis. He pointed out that the Brussels conference seeks to consolidate the international community’s collective efforts to reduce the impact of the protracted crisis in the country. He noted that the organization is contributing to the global efforts to end the ordeal suffered by the Syrian people, partnering with several regional and international organisations and stakeholders to help deliver the needed humanitarian aid.