For Syria, UNSC must set aside political differences - Amos

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) For the sake of Syria and its future generations, the UN Security Council must set aside its political differences and come together to find a solution to what appear to be intractable problems, said a UN Humanitarian official.

In her briefing late on Thursday to the Council, the UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos warned that the situation in Syria was "extremely grave and deteriorating by the day." In recent weeks, "innocent men, women and children killed, maimed, displaced, and subjected to a savagery that no human should have to endure," stated Amos.

Nevertheless, Amos said that the international community more broadly needs to do more to protect civilians and ensure greater accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.

Through specific measures, Amos urged the Council - which is led this month by Lithuania - to demonstrate its leadership and uphold its responsibility. The measures she stated includes ensuring the protection of civilians, ensuring that the parties to the conflict abide their international legal obligations, bringing an end to the siege of more than 400,000 people, considering all possible avenues to ensure accountability, stepping up financial support for humanitarian efforts, and respecting the non-political nature of humanitarian aid.

This is the last briefing to Amos of the UK in her capacity as Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, where she stepped down back in November.