The United Nations Security Council unanimously renewed a vital cross-border aid operation Monday for another six months, extending a lifeline to millions of Syrians residing in areas outside government control during winter. But there were calls for the council to do more. “Today’s vote allows the Syrian people to breathe a sigh of relief,” U.S.…
More coordinated emergency humanitarian action
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Finding new ways to respond to challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. This was one of the key issues discussed at the humanitarian affairs segment (HAS) of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which was held in Geneva from 23 to 25 June 2021 and was chaired by Switzerland. A resolution to strengthen coordination of humanitarian aid was adopted, sending an important political signal.
In concrete terms, the HAS addressed issues of protection – in particular for healthcare workers – and respect for international humanitarian law. It also examined the opportunities and risks associated with new technologies for humanitarian action, and the impact of climate change on crisis-affected populations. Representatives from the private sector and NGOs were involved in its work.