Syria’s humanitarian crisis still a concern of Arab League
Syria’s humanitarian crisis is still a concern of the Arab League despite its recent rapprochement with President Assad, according to The National and agencies on May 16th.
While 2023 saw the Arab League include Syria for the first time since the onset of the brutal civil war in 2011, the organisation nonetheless reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s humanitarian crisis.
“There’s hope in the increasing Arab rapprochement and the launch of a new phase of joint action” said Syrian President Bashar Al Assad at the annual Arab League summit last year.
Members of the Arab League have urged President Assad to address critical concerns in the country, including solving the Syrian refugee crisis, tackling drug trafficking and reaching a political solution with anti-government forces.
Assad has recently introduced a series of reforms to the Syrian Parliament and his ruling Ba’ath party.
READ: Syria set to hold parliamentary election
But life on the ground remains extremely difficult.
Millions of Syrians are still suffering from displacement, poverty and extreme violence – with no foreseeable political resolution.
Syrians seeking refuge in host countries such as Lebanon are also facing hostility and xenophobia.
16.7 million Syrians are projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024 – the highest number since 2011.
Over $4.07 billion is needed to meet humanitarian needs.
Although this year’s summit is set to concentrate on Israel’s war on Gaza, the Syrian crisis is reportedly still on the agenda.
READ: France trials Syrian officials over war crimes
Assistant secretary general to the Arab League Hossam Zakki reported that foreign ministers from the members had reached a “decision on the crisis in Syria”, though did not expand further.
Syria’s return to the Arab League enabled a quick repair of relations with fellow Arab countries.
However, International Relations professor at the University of Damascus Bassam Abu Abdullah said there is “slow progress in relations between Syria and the Arab region”, signalling Syria has not been welcomed fully back.
Relations with Jordan have been strained due to the Kingdom accusing Syria of fuelling a bloody drugs and weapons trade through their shared border.
Both the Jordanian and Syrian foreign ministers held talks addressing the need, “to stop smuggling operations and deflect their danger.”
The National / Agencies
