MARDIN, Turkey
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has expressed its appreciation for approval given by Turkey and Syria for UN humanitarian convoys to deliver aid to Syrians.
The OCHA plans to send 78 convoys across Turkey's borders to Syria carrying food, blankets, mattresses, family and hygiene kits, medicine and medical supplies.
Iyad Hassan Nasr, OCHA spokesman for the North African and Middle East region, thanked the Turkish government on Tuesday for its permission and assistance in delivering humanitarian aid to Syria.
“This is the first time the UN is sending such aid convoys to Syria from the Turkish borders,” stated Nasr.
He also said Turkey had spent U.S.$2 billion on supporting Syrians and refugees and had not asked for anything in return.
“The UN appreciates what Turkey does. More border crossings have to be opened so that the UN can reach all Syrians in need,” said Nasr.
Four other UN agencies are taking part in the convoy with the support of OCHA, which are the World Food Program, the UN Refugee Agency, the UN Children’s Fund and the World Health Organization, as well as the International Organization for Migration.
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