Damascus, SANA- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said Monday it held a meeting with senior U.N. officials in Damascus to strengthen humanitarian operations in the southern governorates, particularly Sweida and Daraa.
In a statement, the ministry called for scaling up aid to affected populations, improving coordination mechanisms, and increasing engagement with donor countries to secure funding. It praised the World Food Programme’s plan to launch a comprehensive food aid distribution system, which has received government approval.
The ministry underlined the importance of accelerating field needs assessments to mobilize resources, while noting that humanitarian operations should continue even in their absence due to urgent needs on the ground.
It said the government has not restricted humanitarian aid since the onset of the crisis in the south, stressing that convoys organized through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, U.N. agencies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross have operated freely and delivered food, medicine, flour, fuel, and other essentials.
According to the ministry, more than 12 convoys reached Sweida within the first month of the crisis—nearly one every two days—reflecting the priority placed on the response. It added that, with state institutions operating at limited capacity, the role of humanitarian partners has become increasingly vital.
The ministry said permits were previously granted for more than 140 U.N. staff to move into Sweida and Daraa, and that further convoys are scheduled to depart in the coming days with aid for affected residents.
Manar Salameh
