Delivering Aid to Syria and Myanmar

The following submission is from a local aid worker in Myanmar, who has requested anonymity for safety concerns.

Delivering humanitarian aid to conflict zones is a significant challenge, especially when the country's government or military is not cooperative. Two recent examples of this are Syria and Myanmar. In both countries, the United Nations (UN) found ways to provide aid despite government obstruction.

In 2014, the UN Security Council passed a resolution that allowed for cross-border aid into Syria. This resolution gave the UN permission to send aid into areas that were not under the control of the Syrian government, across the border from neighboring countries. This was a significant move because the Syrian government had been accused of obstructing aid deliveries to opposition-controlled areas. The UN decided to bypass Syrian government sovereignty in these specific areas to meet the urgent need for humanitarian aid. As a result, many aid groups, including the UN, set up bases in southern Turkey to send aid across the border into northern Syria. This route became a crucial supply line and a lifeline for the people in northern Syria who were affected by the conflict.

Similarly, in Myanmar, the military coup in February 2021 caused an urgent need for humanitarian aid, especially in the conflict-affected areas of the country. However, the military government was not cooperative with local aid organizations, and in some cases, it actually obstructed aid delivery to intended for certain parts of the country! Responding to this problem, some aid organizations have effectively found a way to provide aid without the cooperation of the military government. They established bases in neighboring countries, such as Thailand and Bangladesh, and used cross-border routes to deliver aid to the people in need. While this method is not without its challenges, it has been successful in reaching many people who would have otherwise been without aid.

In both Syria and Myanmar, the UN and aid organizations must find ways to effectively deliver aid in the face of clear government obstruction. By bypassing government authority and establishing bases in neighboring countries, it could be possible to deliver aid to people who need it the most. This approach requires creativity, resourcefulness, and cooperation among various organizations, but it is crucial for providing assistance to those affected by conflict and crisis. We hope to see more of this strategic thinking in future UN missions in Myanmar.