EU planning to send humanitarian aid to NES-Rojava region

By Roni Alasor

Brussels, 18 May 2021 - Middle East Diplomatic- The EU Commission confirmed to the Middle East Diplomatic that EU planning to send humanitarian aid to the North East Syria (NES-Rojava) region because the humanitarian situation has been heavily impacted after closure of the Til Kocer-Yaroubia border crossing between Iraq and North East Syria from the scope of the UN Security Council Resolution for cross-border assistance in January 2020. The EU humanitarian aid will also integrating COVID-19 response.

The Commission confirmed that “WHO and other UN agencies have been facing challenges to send medical and COVID-19 supplies to NES from Damascus” but underlined that “the EU provides no funding to the Syrian regime or any military groups. All EU humanitarian funding is based on needs and in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as enshrined in EU and international law. It is delivered in partnership with UN agencies, international organisations and civil society.”

After closure of the Yaroubia border crossing, especially since the logistical capacity of International Non-Governmental Organisations is limited and could not compensate the WHO supply to NES region which is challenging with health system because the UN aid via Damascus regime do not reach to the 5 million population in North East Syria.

Commision informed that “Out of its humanitarian aid contribution to Syria (€ 130 Million in 2021), the Commission is planning to allocate some 20 % to NES, also integrating COVID-19 response. In addition, €1.5 million is planned to be allocated to WHO, to be used only in Government-controlled areas. Again, none of this is for the Syrian regime. This is humanitarian funding to help those most in need”.

Speaking to Middle East Diplomatic, Dr. Abdulkarim Omar, the Acting Foreign Relations Co-Minister of the self-government of North and East Syria (NES/Rojava), thanks to the EU Commission for its "humanitarian aid and looking forward for a good cooperation with EU institutions for all issues concerning the EU and NES-Rojava region."