Ambassador and Deputy Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the UN Pham Hai Anh has outlined the necessity of offering timely, secure, and unobstructed access to humanitarian aid efforts in all areas throughout Syria in an attempt to help the war-torn country fight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 At an UNSC meeting in January (Photo: UN) 

Upon addressing a recent UN Security Council (UNSC) teleconference on the ongoing situation in Syria, the Vietnamese official praised the role of the UN and its partners in maintaining humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, whilst calling for greater international support for the Middle Eastern nation, particularly in the COVID-19 fight.

Furthermore, the meeting also saw discussions held regarding the 1718 Sanctions Committee about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Ambassador Anh stressed the link between tackling the issues surrounding the DPRK’s nuclear weapons and ensuring peace and security in the region, in addition to the significance of dialogues and negotiations aimed at bridging the differences and seeking long-term solutions to these issues.

The Vietnamese diplomat therefore applauded the efforts made by the committee in granting long-term permits to allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the DPRK in an attempt to help the East Asian country slow the spread of the COVID-19, whilst also dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters.

Furthermore, the Ambassador reiterated the nation’s support for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, adding that the country pledges to carry out the UNSC’s related resolutions, whilst standing ready to contribute to the cause of regional peace and stability.

During his remarks at the virtual event, Ramesh Rajasingham, UN Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, expressed concern regarding the number of COVID-19 cases in Syria, adding that they far outstrip official figures confirmed by their Government following reports of healthcare facilities filling up and an increasing number of deaths. At present, Syria has recorded approximately 2,440 COVID-19 cases.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Syria entering a phase of instability and conflict, triggering one of the most serious humanitarian crises in history, with hundreds of thousands of people injured and millions left homeless as a result of fighting.