United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Syria - December 21, 2016

On December 21, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Syria, with a particular focus on the besieged city of Aleppo. This resolution was a significant international response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, which had escalated dramatically during the Syrian Civil War.

Context Leading Up to the Resolution

• Syrian Civil War: The conflict in Syria began in 2011 as part of the wider wave of the Arab Spring protests. It quickly devolved into a complex civil war involving multiple factions, including the Syrian government, opposition groups, and extremist organizations.

• Siege of Aleppo: Aleppo, one of Syria’s largest cities, became a focal point of the conflict. By 2016, the city was divided between government forces and rebel groups. The siege of Aleppo led to severe humanitarian conditions, with reports of widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

• International Response: The international community was deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria, particularly in Aleppo. Previous attempts to broker ceasefires had largely failed, and the situation continued to deteriorate.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

• Ceasefire Demand: The resolution called for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities in Syria. It emphasized the need for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law.

• Lifting of Sieges: The resolution specifically demanded the lifting of sieges, particularly in Aleppo, to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians trapped in conflict zones.

• Humanitarian Access: It urged all parties to facilitate the safe and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to all areas in need, ensuring that civilians received necessary assistance.

Significance and Aftermath

• Humanitarian Focus: The resolution highlighted the international community’s focus on the humanitarian aspects of the Syrian conflict, underscoring the urgent need to address the suffering of civilians.

• Diplomatic Pressure: Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, this resolution exerted diplomatic pressure on the parties involved in the Syrian conflict to seek a peaceful resolution and prioritize humanitarian concerns.

• Continued Challenges: Despite the resolution, achieving a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive humanitarian access in Syria remained challenging. The conflict continued, with sporadic ceasefires and ongoing negotiations.

The adoption of this resolution by the UNGA was a testament to the global concern over the Syrian crisis and the collective call for action to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.