At the same time, the Impartial and Independent International Mechanism for Syria (IIIM) concluded a historic visit to Damascus, highlighting the urgency of preserving evidence linked to the most serious international crimes before it is irretrievably lost.

Fuel shortages, disrupted roads

Essential services, including hospitals and health centers, are severely affected, notably in Aleppo governorate, where six public hospitals and 60 primary health centers are only partially functioning due to fuel shortages, the gate said -UN spokesperson, Stéphanie Tremblay, to journalists during the regular press briefing.

Damaged bridges connecting Damascus to other key regions have also disrupted supply chains.

“Despite the challenges, we and our partners continue to support the response as safety allows. We distribute food aid, including bread, ready-to-eat rations, hot meals and food baskets,” said Ms. Tremblay.

She also noted that in northwest Syria, humanitarian partners have started supporting farmers, including with cash grants.

Access challenges

In the northeast, humanitarian operations are hampered by unstable security conditions, but some vital supplies have been distributed.

“Partners have been able to distribute winter kits, blankets and winter clothing, but more is needed – as you can imagine – and there is also a critical need for additional winter support for communities reception,” declared the UN spokesperson.

Humanitarian partners also reported difficulties accessing Menbij and Kobani due to insecurity, as well as Israeli airstrikes in Latakia and incursions into southern governorates, with damage to civilian infrastructure.

Protect vital evidence

Also on Monday, the Impartial and Independent International Mechanism for Syria (IIIM) concluded a visit to Damascus, emphasizing the urgency of preserving evidence linked to the most serious international crimes before it is irretrievably lost.

For the first time since its establishment by the General Assembly in 2016, the Independent Mechanism has been authorized to visit Syria, marking a crucial step in its mandate to investigate and assist in the prosecution of the most serious crimes committed during the conflict.

Robert Petit, head of the Independent Mechanism, described the visit as an “important step” and a rare opportunity to discuss justice and accountability with Syrian officials.

He stressed the urgency of preserving evidence before it is lost forever.

“Time is of the essence,” he said, adding, “there is a small window of opportunity to secure these sites and the material they contain.” Every day we fail to do this, we risk losing the opportunity for global accountability. »