Implementation of recommendations to review UN aid response in Syria

3.5.2018

Question for written answer E-002475-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Neena Gill (S&D) , Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

In 2016, 73 Syrian NGOs withdrew their participation in the UN’s Whole of Syria mechanism in protest at the Syrian Government’s manipulation of humanitarian aid. Both local and international NGOs have documented the results of this manipulation extensively, including denial of aid to people in opposition-held areas and sexual abuse of vulnerable groups.

In response, the UN commissioned an internal review of its humanitarian operations in 2017, which resulted in a number of recommendations from the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to prevent the Assad regime from dictating the aid response, including though the establishment of an ombudsperson. To date, however, the report’s recommendations remain unimplemented.

1. As the leading donor in response to the Syrian crisis, what measures is the EU taking at UN level to ensure that the OCHA recommendations are implemented?

2. What action is it taking, including at UN level, to ensure that people seeking aid in Syria do not suffer sexual violence and abuse?