UN Security Council approves humanitarian aid bill

The UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution to prioritize humanitarian aid over all current or future UN sanctions.

The bill, introduced by the United States and Ireland, passed with 14 votes in favour, while India abstained. In the vote, no country voted against.

The Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Jan Egeland, affirmed that with the aforementioned bill, humanitarian activities will be protected from sanctions when the needs are at their peak.

SPEAK BEFORE YOU VOTE

The United States Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, in her address to the council before voting began, said that there is a need to help benefactors reach the world’s most vulnerable people.

Thomas Greenfield said their goal has always been to stop terrorists and human rights violators by using legitimate means to maintain peace and security, but they also aim to allow humanitarian efforts to continue to save lives of those in need.

On the other hand, in a press release from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), it was stated that the bill would protect aid activities in countries subject to UN sanctions.

In the statement, it was indicated that the bill will guarantee the timely delivery of life-saving aid and the timely support of those living in vulnerable and unprotected environments. (AA)