Abstract

As the Syrian conflict in the Middle East stands still, the humanitarian situation is further deteriorating. The scale and magnitude of the conflict constitute one of the largest crises of our time, posing significant challenges to the humanitarian architecture. Thus in view of resolving the worst situation of the humanitarian crisis in Syria this study aims to evaluate and analyze the role of the International community in their response to the crisis by providing an overview of the modern Syrian conflict's history, the impact of the conflict, refugee flows and International power politics. Furthermore, the article is concluded with recommendations and ways for the international community to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Key Words

Humanitarian Crisis, Syria, International Response, Refugees, Military Efforts

Introduction

In 2011, a civil war was erupted in Syria as a result of the Arab Spring. It followed decades of international intervention, political, economic, and internal unrest that resulted in an unprecedented flow of migrants to Europe, then to North America. While the international community struggles to handle this humanitarian crisis, it is important to understand the history of the current situation.

The lengthy history of the Middle East cannot be covered in one article. Although outside the scope of this study, its origins go back at least four or five decades. We have chosen to concentrate on current events and their precursors that provide insight into the current humanitarian situation because it is difficult to fully treat the events of this recent period in Syria. Thus the study aims to be a comprehensive and wholesome document to explore the current situation in Syria regarding the humanitarian crisis, to analyze the role of the international community for their reaction to the crisis and finally to come out with recommendations for the international community to respond to the need of humanitarian assistance in Syria. (Musarurwa, 2016)

Despite a considerably longer history, the origins of the 2011 Civil War may be traced back to 1970, when the country's authoritarian administration was first established. President Hafeza adopted a new "neo-patrimonial" strategy that year in response to a wave of nationalist nationalism that was fueled by the loss of the Golan Heights in the war against Israel. This strategy centred power in the "presidential monarchy," which was backed by a faction within the security forces. Under the banner of "unity and social freedom," the dictatorship was established on the political platform of the Arab Baath Party, which was regarded to be the philosophy of Arab nationalism against the Sunni Arabs and their Western supporters (Cakmak, 2015). 

President Assad adopted a severe posture against Israel's attack on the Golan Heights in an effort to inflame popular animosity and undermine the legitimacy of his regime, which is supported by the Baath's rural base and the ruling class in Damascus. Through these measures, Syria has alienated Western nations and reinforced its close ties to Russia and the Arab Gulf states while also developing resistance to Western imperialism. However, the late 1980s economic recession had a detrimental influence on the public sector, resulted in the freezing of social payments, and worsened the state's treatment of the middle class.

In 2000, Bashar al-Assad took over the leadership of the totalitarian state, which he described as undergoing "authoritarian modernization." The modernization saw the autocratic power of unprecedented economic development in Syria stage. The Elite has benefited from the rapid economic development from the top down and affected the poor badly which led towards major unrest. (Kargin, 2018)

In addition to adding a new layer to the civil war, internal unrest also gave rise to new religious, racial, and political interests. According to a BBC story, in the southern city of Deira, protests for young people who had been detained and subjected to torture because they had painted revolutionary slogans on the school's wall served as the spark that ignited the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Repression by the government through military force which led towards a lack of confidence in the system.  Syrian regime's reliance on the army to the upper overreaction on the local protest, as temporarily strengthened the pro-Assad who showed signs of weakness through splits with growing internal tensions system.

Because of the emergence of al- DAESH, a coalition of Sunni rebel organisations backing al- Qaeda in its original form, and the restoration of the "caliphate," the civil conflict in Syria has grown more brutal and complex. This newly formed organisation, which the US government has added to its list of terrorists, is a third party to the conflict in Syria. In order to support the Kurdish population in their struggle against Daesh, the United States said in 2014 that it will increase its military engagement in Syria's civil war in collaboration with Arab nations. 

The selected topic is contemporary and relatively current. Literature review reveals that much had been published on Syria but till date, there is a scarcity of literature that can give a comprehensive report on the humanitarian crisis in Syria and find its effects on the human. Therefore, it is much needed study in this case. (Musarurwa, 2016) Hence, gaps in earlier research work will be systematically explored to raise new questions for think tanks, academia and policy makers, inviting more research.




The Humanitarian Impact of the Syrian Conflict

Nearly 250,000 people have died as a result of the fighting, and 13.5 million people in Syria require immediate humanitarian aid. According to the report, “more than 80% of Syrians now live in poverty as a result of the burden of war on the working class. One-third of hospitals and a quarter of schools in Syria are no longer operational due to infrastructure damage.” (Oktav, 2015) Prior to the conflict, health services and immunization rates were at 99%; by 2012, they had fallen to 52%. In 2013, after a fourteen-year absence, polio made a comeback in Syria. 90% of Syrians were literate prior to the conflict, but 2.8 million youngsters are no longer in school. (Dostal, 2018) About three million children, or roughly half of the population of school age, are unable to attend schools. UNICEF claims that the crisis in Syria is resulting in a "lost generation" among youngsters due to lack of access to school, starvation, and inadequate medical treatment.




The Refugee Crises

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees considers the humanitarian and refugee catastrophe in Syria to be the greatest in human history. In addition to more than 28,000 Syrians registered in North Africa, “UNHCR has registered 2.1 million Syrians in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey”. Further, there is about 1.9 million Syrians registered in Turkey. The UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and other close-by nations did not offer any resettlement to Syrian refugees (IRC, 2022). The influx of Syrian refugees have adversely affected the infrastructural development in neighboring countries, as the host communities are mostly poor themselves and the majority of their own population is also in need of humanitarian assistance. "In Jordan, a country that is hosting 635,324 refugees." (Musarurwa, 2016).  In Lebanon, refugees are living in crowded areas and because of the deprivation of basic health facilities, the number of diseases are increasing especially in children. In March 2014, the amount of children longing for humanitarian aid das increased up to 5.5 million, which has doubled since last year. The poor people are traveling to every possible country to save their families from conflict.  Women and the proportion of children who reached Europe by sea was 30% in 2015, and subsequently rose 60% in 2016. In 2015, while struggling to reach European states through waters, a total of 3771 people went missing. The Greek port authorities have detained 16211 Syrian refugees travelling to Europe by water in the first three years after the conflict began. There were 897645 petitions for asylum from Syrians in Europe from April 2011 to December 2015. Serbia and Germany receive the most requests in Europe (59% each) (Reliefweb, 2023). 

International Community’s Response

Peacekeeping

International Community responded very effectively to the Crisis in Syria. Many Countries expressed support for the observers of the United Nations to Syria and urged to comply with the UN. Initially some countries were against military intervention but later joined the USA led Coalition.  The basic and foremost aim of the Coalition was to achieve stability in the Middle East and while using a nonviolent strategy. Coalition provided training to rebels group fighting against Al Assad. But with the increasing threat if ISIS, it started air operations, against ISIS and active participation by the Coalition began. The increasing presence of the USA in the Middle East alerted Russia as well, which is a very strong ally of AL Assad. Russian forces along with Al Assad forces also started Air operation against rebels. Similarly Northern Kurdish were a threat to the Security of Turkiye, which also joined active operations against rebels. At present different groups are fighting   under different flags with varying interests. The situation has become so complex that stability seem impossible (Dixon, 2016). 




Military Intervention

Consensus on foreign military intervention in Syria seems impossible in the global community, especially due to Russian support to the Bashar Regime. Such an intervening action could incense Russia, China, and Iran along with other states as well. It is also possible that like in Iraq the military intervention to Syria could transform into another long-term task with incredibly high expenses. Probably capacity issues and lessons from Iraq and Libya are also keeping the US administration indecisive.




Domestic Dynamics and Internal Fissures

Demographic Dynamics

Syria has a diverse population that managed to live together in relative harmony. Its population of 22.5 million is made up of a diverse citizenry which include Sunnis; Alawites and other Shiites, Ismailis; Christians and even small yet vibrant Jewish and Yazidi communities. Wealthier metropolitan regions, demographically, support Assad more as compared to the rural regions. For Syria's present condition, sectarian differences seems to procure a significant position as they direct the political orientation regime in power previously. 




The Baathist Regime ¬- Bashar al-Assad

The present system emerges from the Alawites. Its stance against the US and the West isolated Syria on the international scene. However, the government maintained its partnerships with Russia. The forces of the Assad regime are "estimated to number between 150,000 and 200,000" with the advantage of professional military technology for confrontations during demonstrations. The ruling party controls the media, and prohibits criticism over the President, while censors both national and international press.




Coalition Governments

The Syrian Socialist Arab Baath Party (Baath Party)

On the basis of Pan-Arab socialism the Baath Party rejects unwanted military interventions and promotes peaceful political opposition. The criticism lies upon the prolonged governance under emergency law, thereby stagnating much needed development of political reforms. 




The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SNP)

In 1932, SNP was founded at Beirut for the pursuit of independence from French colonialism. In the context of the Pan-Arab political and economic union, it countersign the national sovereignty of Syria. The SNP objects unnecessary foreign intervention Syrian Arab Republic's internal affairs and also participated in the elections of 2012 and is part of a current coalition government. (Musarurwa, 2016)




The Peoples Will Party (PWP)

The PWP works on a liberal and social democratic platform and is involved in the current coalition government. The party, on the grounds of compliance with international legislation, opposes to unsolicited foreign interference in the political and military affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic.




The Opposition Groups

Currently, the two major opposition groups are, "The Syrian National Council (SNC) and National Coordination Body for Democratic Change (NCB). However, in November, a new opposition umbrella group, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, came into being and the Arab league and Gulf Cooperation Council recognized it as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people". (Sajid Karim, 2016) 







The Syrian National Council (SNC)

A series of mostly exiled activists officially

established the SNC in Turkiye in October 2011. With dominating Sunni community it includes many members from Muslim Brotherhood. It serves as international community contact point, it advocates for international military intervention and interference. Syrian National Council is known to be the Western face and would work as a tool of dominance for foreign and regional powers. In 2013, during the annual summit of the Arab League, SNC was granted the Syrian seat which was suspended in 2011. (Iqbal, 2014)




National Body of Coordination for the Purpose of Democratic Change

The NCB also referred as the “National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change (NCC), is an opposition bloc in Syria with long-term dissidents. In contrast to SNC, the NCB is willing to negotiate with Assad’s regime, however objects foreign military intervention and communicates with Russia.” (Iqbal, 2014). 

None State Actors

Al-Nusra Front

Al-Nusra Front is an Islamic group of rebels, known to be the face of Al-Qaida in Syria, was created 2012. It is known to be the most successful as well as the most aggressive arm of rebel forces and has been providing Logistic Base to Al-Qaida elements fighting in Iraq since 2003 and was known as one of the segments of Al-Qaida. With the eruption of the crisis in Syria, the group changed its role from logistic to operational and became one of the active elements of Al-Qaida in February 2012. Its aims to create a Pan-Islamic state under Sharia Law. It calls Syrians to participate in overthrowing the present Syrian government. Members of the group are accused of having anti-sentiments for non-Sunnis in Syria and have claimed that Israel and the USA as enemies of Islam and condemned any intervention from the West in Syria. In April 2013 the USA declared it as a terrorist organization. 




The Syrian Military Forces

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) was a loose coalition of Syrian armed opposition groups formed in 2011 during the early stages of the Syrian crisis. The FSA was composed of defected Syrian Army soldiers and civilians who took up arms against the Syrian government in response to its violent crackdown on peaceful protests. The FSA initially aimed to overthrow the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and establish a democratic government. It operated primarily in areas under opposition control, but its effectiveness was limited due to its decentralized structure and lack of central leadership.

Over time, the FSA faced challenges from other armed opposition groups and jihadist groups, which complicated the already complex conflict. In recent years, the FSA has lost significant ground to the Syrian government and its allies, including Russia and Iran. Today, while the FSA still exists, it is a much smaller and less significant force than it was earlier in the conflict (BBC, 2014). 




The Salafist – Wahabist Fighters in Syria

The Salafist-Wahhabi fighters in Syria are a faction of Sunni Islamist militants who adhere to a strict interpretation of Islam based on the teachings of Salafism and Wahhabism.

Salafism is a Sunni Islamic movement that seeks to emulate the practices and beliefs of the early generations of Muslims, while Wahhabism is a puritanical form of Sunni Islam that originated in Saudi Arabia. Both movements advocate for strict adherence to Islamic law and a rejection of practices that they view as un-Islamic, including Sufi mysticism, Shia Islam, and other forms of Islam that are not in line with their interpretation of Islamic teachings. These fighters came from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf States, to fight alongside opposition forces in Syria. All have a crucial role in the Syrian conflict and were known for their brutal tactics and extreme ideology (Gani, 2015). 

Over time, these groups became increasingly radicalized and fragmented, with some aligning with Al-Qaeda and later, the Islamic State (IS) group. Today, some of these groups still operate in Syria, although they have lost much of their territorial control and are widely condemned for their human rights abuses and terrorist activities.




The Kurdish Minorities in Syria

The Kurdish minority in Syria is an ethnic group that primarily inhabits the northeastern region of Syria, known as Rojava. The Kurds are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Middle East and have long sought greater autonomy and recognition for their cultural and linguistic rights.

Author (Kargin, 2018) expounded that “during the Syrian conflict, Kurdish forces formed the People's Protection Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ) to defend their communities against the Syrian government and various armed opposition groups. In 2014, the YPG and its allies established the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (NES), also known as Rojava, which operates as a de facto autonomous region within Syria. The Kurdish forces in Syria have played a key role in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group and have received support from the United States and other Western powers. However, the Kurdish forces have also faced challenges from Turkey, which views the Kurdish groups in Syria as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey” and other countries. (Musarurwa, 2016)

Overall, the situation for the Kurdish minority in Syria remains complex and uncertain, with ongoing challenges related to political autonomy, territorial control, and relations with neighboring countries.

Regional and International Power Politics

Syria remains the main component of the regional equilibrium of power among the moderate pro-U.S and the so called Iran-led resistance camp. Power politics contribute in understanding the reason why the international community have failed to achieve a solution to the conflict. There regional powers have a significant impact as under:-




Israel

Israel considered Hezbollah in Lebanon as one of the biggest threat who has support from Syria. It also fears that its of predictability in its northeast 

frontier could be adversely affected if  the democracy in Syria installs a Sunni Wahabi regime dominated by Saudi Arabia, same as Hamas in Palestine. Israeli policy strategists would quite appreciate s weak Syria with a struggling regime. The wild card draging Syria into a protracted civil war serves the best interest of Israel. On May 3rd and 4th 2013, Israeli Defense Forces launched aerial strikes deep inside Syrian territory (BBC, 2014). 




Turkiye

Turkiye was compelled to re-evaluate this policy of supporting foreign military intervention, after the Al-Assad regime's frequent targeting of civilians. Turkish PM in his visit to the USA in May 2013, has highlighted the issue of the use of Chemical Weapons and reiterated the need for immediate intervention. There have been calls for Turkiye to intervene in the Syrian crisis after Syrian forces shot down a Turkish fighter jet in June 2012. Turkiye has taken in more than 70,000 Syrian refugees and has hosted several summits of the Syrian National Council. In order to counter any future air threat from Syria, the Turkish government has also deployed two batteries of Patriot Missiles along its border with Syria and now the Turkish government is likely to take a back seat owing its internal crisis, which may take a dimension similar to Arab Spring. Turkiye has also carried out limited air strikes against Kurds.




Egypt

Egypt has played a limited but crucial role. The country has generally supported the “Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad” and has opposed foreign intervention in the conflict. Egypt has provided diplomatic and military support to the Syrian government, including arms shipments and intelligence sharing. In 2013, Egypt's military leader at the time, General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, publicly stated his support for the Syrian government and called for a political solution to the conflict. (Sajid Karim, 2016)

However, Egypt has also worked to mediate diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. In 2017, Egypt hosted talks between representatives of the Syrian government and opposition groups, which aimed to reach a political solution to the conflict.

Overall, Egypt's role in the Syrian conflict has been focused on maintaining stability in the region and preventing the spread of extremist groups, rather than actively seeking to influence the outcome of the conflict. However, Egypt's support for the Syrian government has put it at odds with some of its regional allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, which have supported opposition forces in Syria.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & Qatar

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have both been involved in the Syrian conflict, although they have taken different approaches to the conflict and supported different factions. Saudi Arabia has been one of the main supporters of the Syrian opposition, providing financial and military support to various rebel groups fighting against the Syrian government. Saudi Arabia has also been a vocal opponent of the Syrian government and has called for the removal of President Bashar al-Assad from power. However, Saudi Arabia's support for the opposition has been complicated by the presence of jihadist groups and the rise of the Islamic State (IS) group, which Saudi Arabia has also opposed.

Qatar has also been a significant supporter of the Syrian opposition, providing financial and military support to various rebel groups. Qatar has also been a vocal opponent of the Syrian government and has called for the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. However, Qatar's support for the opposition has been complicated by its relations with Iran, which has supported the Syrian government.










Lebanon and Hezbollah

Lebanon and Hezbollah have both been involved in the Syrian conflict, although their roles and objectives have been somewhat different. Hezbollah is a Lebanese political and military organization that has been a key ally of the Syrian government in the conflict. Hezbollah has sent fighters to Syria to support the Syrian government and has played a significant role in some of the conflict's most significant battles, including the siege of Aleppo. (Dostal, 2018) Hezbollah has justified its involvement in the conflict as a means of protecting Lebanon from the spread of extremist groups and maintaining its strategic alliance with the Syrian government. Lebanon has been significantly affected by the Syrian conflict, with hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing to Lebanon since the start of the conflict. Lebanon, on the other hand, has been affected by the Syrian conflict as a neighboring country. The conflict has led to a significant influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, putting a strain on the country's economy and infrastructure. The conflict has also raised sectarian tensions in Lebanon, particularly between the country's Sunni and Shia communities.

 

Jordan

Jordan is a close neighbor of Syria and has been affected the most due to the ongoing crisis. Presently, Jordan is hosting almost half a million Syrian refugees which has seriously affected its economy. King Abdullah II during an interview to BBC in 2011 mentioned that if he would have been at Assad's place, he would have resigned. This interview drew a lot of criticism against King Abdullah II as well. Since then Jordan has been maintaining a neutral stance against Syria. In April 2013, US has decided to send 200 troops to Jordan which is a sign of possible growing American involvement in the Syrian conflict. Moreover, the multinational military exercise "Eager Lion" which was scheduled to be held in 2014 has been planned in 2013 as well in which almost 5000 US troops along-with representatives of other countries will also participate.




Arab League

The Arab League is an intergovernmental organization of Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa. The organization was established in 1945 and its main purpose is to promote economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its member states. During the Syrian conflict, “the Arab League has played a role in trying to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means. In 2011, the Arab League suspended Syria's membership in response to the Syrian government's violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. The Arab League also established a peace plan for Syria, which called for an end to violence, the withdrawal of Syrian military forces from cities, and the release of political prisoners.” (Iqbal, 2014). 

In addition, the Arab League has held several summits and meetings to discuss the Syrian conflict and to coordinate the positions of its member states. However, the Arab League has struggled to make significant progress in resolving the conflict, in part due to disagreements among its member states and the involvement of external actors such as Russia, the United States, and Iran. Overall, the Arab League's role in the Syrian conflict has been focused on diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and to promote the interests of its member states in the region. However, the organization has faced significant challenges in its efforts to end the conflict and to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

International Powers – Their Role and Interests

Syria, due to its geostrategic location has always been attracting international powers. The access to the Mediterranean Sea from the western shores of Syria provides it with the most significant geostrategic advantage. Key players are discussed below:-




USA

US Administration has been demanding resignation from Assad and has been supporting United Nations Security Council action to end the humanitarian crisis. The US recognized the coalition as Syria's "legitimate representative" but the announcement stopped short of authorizing the US to supply weapons to the opposition, US has been providing financial aid non-lethal assistance to the Syrian Opposition. However, now sensing the strategic balance turning in the favor of Regime Forces, the US has decided to provide direct military aid to Opposition forces. Probably, the unstable situation in Iraq, Libya and Egypt is the only concern due to which the US administration has not been able to take a decision of military intervention in Syria (Iqbal, 2014). 

Russia

Due to close bilateral relations with AL-Assad, Russia remains a key player in the Syrian crisis. Syria is important to Russia's geopolitical significance as a counterbalance to American dominance in the region. The only remaining Russian naval base from the Soviet era is in Tartus, Syria. In addition the traditional understanding of global legal norms is also evident in Russian policy on Syria in relation to financial and security interests. The fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has kept Russia and US at the odd for a long time. The United States demands Al-Assad's resignation from power, whereas Russia argues that negotiated settlement should not be preconditioned by his departure. President Putin recently stated that his presence in the Mediterranean is in the Russian national interest. On 16 June 2013, on arrival in the UK for the G8 summit, President Vladimir Putin bluntly warned the US for arming opposition rebels in Syria, who are killing and eating human organs. (Oktav, 2015)




China

China has economic interests in Syria and wishes to stand by and reinforce its stance for maintainning world peace and regional stability. It supports the Russian stance in UNSC. "During a visit to Beijing by U.N. and Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi in October 2012, China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi stated that political dialogue is the only correct way to tackle this issue, and he added that he hoped the mediation discussions would promote mutual understanding and the appropriate handling of the Syrian issue.” (Dostal, 2018) 




EU and UK

The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have both been involved in the Syrian conflict, primarily through their diplomatic efforts and humanitarian assistance.

The EU has been a vocal critic of the Syrian government and has called for an end to the violence and a political solution to the conflict. The EU has imposed economic sanctions on the Syrian government and individuals associated with the regime, as well as providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and displaced persons. In addition, the EU has supported the Syrian opposition politically and financially, although this support has been limited due to concerns about the presence of extremist groups among the opposition. The EU has also been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, including participating in the UN-led Geneva peace talks.The UK has also been involved in the Syrian conflict, primarily through its support for the Syrian opposition and its humanitarian aid efforts. The UK has provided financial and non-lethal military support to the Syrian opposition, as well as providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and displaced persons (Hua, 2019). 

The UK has also been a vocal opponent President Asad and its government to step down. However, the UK's involvement in the conflict has been complicated by concerns about the presence of extremist groups among the opposition and the potential risks of military intervention. Overall, the EU and UK's role in the Syrian conflict has been focused on diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and displaced persons, and supporting the Syrian opposition to varying degrees. However, their ability to influence the conflict has been limited by the involvement of external actors and the complexity of the conflict.

 

Iran

Iran has been a key player in the Syrian conflict, providing significant military, financial, and diplomatic support to the Syrian government. Iran and Syria have been close allies since the 1980s, and Iran has viewed the Syrian conflict as an opportunity to protect its strategic interests in the region. Iran has provided military support to the Syrian government, including sending military advisors and troops, as well as weapons and funding to support the regime's fight against opposition forces. (Kargin, 2018)

In addition, Iran has used its influence to mobilize support for the Syrian government among Shia communities in the region, including in Iraq and Lebanon. Iran has also played a role in helping the Syrian government to bypass international sanctions and continue to import critical supplies such as oil.Iran's involvement in the Syrian conflict has raised concerns among some Western countries, which view Iran as a destabilizing force in the region. The conflict has also increased tensions between Iran and regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, which have opposed Iran's involvement in the conflict (NPR, 2021). 

  

Role of UN

The United Nations (UN) has been involved in the Syrian conflict since the early stages of the crisis. The UN has played a key role in facilitating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. The UN has deployed a number of different bodies and agencies to address the Syrian conflict, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). These bodies have provided vital assistance to Syrian refugees and displaced persons, including food, shelter, and medical care.

In addition, the UN has been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The UN has supported the Geneva peace talks, which were initiated in 2012 and aimed to bring the Syrian government and opposition forces to the negotiating table. The UN has also played a key role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged areas of Syria and in monitoring ceasefires and de-escalation zones. (Musarurwa, 2016). 

However, the UN has faced significant challenges in its efforts to resolve the conflict and to provide humanitarian assistance. The Syrian government has at times hindered the delivery of aid and has been accused of targeting UN personnel and aid workers. In addition, the involvement of external actors in the conflict has made it difficult for the UN to find a sustainable political solution.

Friends of Syria Conference

“Friends of Syria” a group comprising 60 nations 

and organizations which held a meeting in Tunis on February 24, 2012, to discuss the crisis. The opposition group originally boycotted the meeting because they were skeptical of Western sincerity, but a group of American diplomats worked to dispel these concerns in “an unusual personal entreaty. The participants agreed on a demand to allow humanitarian aid in Syria and to tighten political sanctions. Another meeting in support to the Syrian National Coalition was held on 28 Feb 13 at Rome, hosted by Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi with Ministers from the US, Arab and European states. The 'Friends of Syria' conference held in Turkiye was concluded with a list of declarations, however very few were made concrete decisions. Representatives of the 70-plus nations decided to recognize the Syrian National Coalition as the representative of the Syrian people (Shultz, 2020). 




Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons

The existence of large stockpiles of Chemical and biological weapons assumed in Syria. However, the regime seems to be concerned with its security, which is evident in the heavy deployment of military personnel guarding chemical and biological weapons. In July 2012, Syria has given WMD certainty that it will never be used against the citizens of Syrian.

Key Findings

The Syrian conflict remains very complex since the beginning. Many actors are pursuing independent interests compete for land, for a military strike or just domination of the area or counter the influence of their own opposition. 

The experience of war has destroyed the future and well-being of young Syrians. Failure to address the current situation, lack of education, institutions and opportunities poses many threats to these exposed and deprived youth. If the situation continues as it is, there are more chances this youth will join a terrorist organization. People who have left the country, are also increasing security and economic issues for their host countries. The flow of refugees into Lebanon is likely to undermine the stability of the country's sectarian structure. (Dostal, 2018)

The long-term social and economic impact

of marginalization of refugees will greatly undermine the European Union as refugees seek to enter the labor force, find adequate housing, or access to social services. Given the very low prospects for a recent settlement of the Syrian conflict, the growing commitment of the international community to the refugee crisis is necessary to prevent the continuation and intensification of regional and global security crises. Even if hostilities cease altogether, the consequences of the twin humanitarian and security crisis will last for generations.

Recommendations

a) This paper’s analysis, however, leads to some policy recommendations, as evidence, which can establish a responsible policy that reflects the separation of humanitarian and security issues/ interest. (Oktav, 2015)

b) The country must increasingly focus on combating internal instability.

c) The long-term social and economic impact of the marginalization of refugees will greatly undermine the European Union, thus refugees should be accommodated by the host state with basic needs, adequate housing, or access to social services.

d) It is therefore important that the international community recognize the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Humanitarian and security crises alone cannot be solved. In fact, addressing these issues requires multi dimension approach, incorporating many Regional and non-regional powers.

Conclusion

Syria, after a decade of war, is the most serious human disaster of this century. Millions of people have been re-allocated, arbitrarily detained, tortured, raped, abducted, and deprived of food, water, inadequate housing, education and unavailability of medical facilities. Over the past five years, Syrians have an average life expectancy of 55.4 years from an average of 7, lower than Afghanistan and Libya. In particular Last year's blocked image of Aleppo and Mosul Fighting, as well as chemical attacks on the city of Alguo, the atrocities of the war have had unprecedented levels. However, United Nations has carried out large-scale humanitarian action to provide humanitarian aid to the Syrian war prone population and neighboring countries. It is a complex task, consisting of several geographical centers: the presence of the Damascus Office (headed by the United Nations Resident Coordinator), the Jordanian Office of Amman (United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator) and Lebanon, Iraq and Turkiye. According to the UN, 64% of total aid in 2016, went to the people living under Government controlled areas and the condition of the population in disputed areas is miserable. Some Non-governmental organizations have recently concentrated on disputed area or area under the control of the opposition (61% of non-governmental organizations aid was in the opposition control area in 2016).

US Administration has strong stance against Assad's regime to protect the interest of Israel. However, it finds difficulty with regards to pitching a strong opposition against the regime. The US decision to provide direct military aid to Opposition forces is likely to be a game changer but with unpredictable outcome. The reason behind Moscow's supportive attitude towards current regime in Syrian crisis clearly indicates Russia opposing US authority in the region. President Putin's recent statements have reasserted Russia’s uncompromising support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime and declaring that Moscow backs the country’s “legitimate” government. 

The United Nations is though trying to meet the urgent requirements of the affected population and has raised more than $10.5 billion for humanitarian activities but still is less the original hoped or required. The most generous donors are the United States ($5.9 billion since 2012) and the European Union (over 9.4 billion euros) since the outbreak of the war. The International Fund-Raising Initiative was held at the Syrian Regional Support Conference in London in February 2016, co-chaired by the European Union, Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United Nations. More than $ 12 billion were raised for the infra-structure and humanitarian development. The debate on how to resolve the Syrian refugee crisis is more effective in the fundamental question of international security: Should the country choose nature and human security, or be closely linked to the promotion of mutual investment independently? In this paper, it is believed that in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis across the globe, Human and security paradigms ask the Government to respond to the crisis and recognize the complementarity between these two issues.

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