John, Last Friday, Russia forced the UN Security Council to cut the number of humanitarian aid access points into Syria, from neighbors like Jordan and Iraq, in half. Assad has stolen and weaponized humanitarian aid for years. This corruption must end. The United States has contributed nearly $6 billion to United Nations operations in Syria to provide food, clothing, and shelter to civilians in need. Yet, a number of investigations have uncovered abuse and misuse of humanitarian aid money meant for Syrian civilians. Instead of going to those who need it most, UN dollars—largely funded by the U.S. taxpayers—are ending up in the hands of the Assad regime. A 2016 study found that $17.5 million ended up in the state-owned fuel industry, Army-operated blood banks benefiting Assad’s troops, and charities under the influence of the Assad family. Any aid entering Syria must not fund the bloodthirsty Assad regime. Take Action: Urge your member of Congress to support H.R. 4868, the Stop UN Support for Assad Act, and make sure U.S. taxpayer dollars fund humanitarian aid, not war crimes. | |
