Tying the UN’s Hands on Assistance to Syrians (AUDIO INTERVIEW)

The Media Line speaks with Lou Charbonneau, Human Rights Watch’s director for United Nations affairs

Last January, Russia, together with China, forced the United Nations to close two border crossings used to bring humanitarian aid into Syria – one on the border with Iraq, the other on the border with Jordan.

This week, the two vetoed an extension to the UN Security Council’s mandate over the two remaining entry points for humanitarian assistance, this time on the Turkish border. The mandate expires today.

To learn more about the rationale behind Russia’s moves, as well as the matter of humanitarian needs and assistance in Syria, The Media Line turned to Lou Charbonneau, director for UN affairs at Human Rights Watch.