On Wednesday Guterres and Cousin traveled to Iraq's Anbar province and visited the border crossing to Syria. Although the border had been closed for over a year, they were encouraged that officials were considering allowing some vulnerable refugees to enter and establishing a family reunification program.
The UN chiefs noted the Iraqi government had expressed security fears, including the risk of infiltration. But they expressed concern for the people on the other side and hoped the right balance could be found to allow more vulnerable Syrians to enter.
Guterres called the Syria conflict the "worst threat to global peace and security since the last century. We are witnessing death and destruction, the collapse of the state and the enormous suffering of the people."
He noted that all relief agencies are dramatically underfunded at a time when millions of Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria and the number of refugees is fast approaching two million. But both UN officials declared their commitment to helping all Syrians in need.
"We have witnessed in more than two years many dramatic moments and we have always mobilized our resources to respond," Guterres said. "Our commitment is with the victims. Whatever happens, under whatever circumstances, we will be there to reach Syrians needing our assistance."
(Source: KRG)
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