Syria FM slams politicization of humanitarian response to devastating quake

Syrian foreign minister has denounced the politicization of humanitarian response to the devastating earthquake that struck the Arab country recently, saying it failed to prick the conscience of some countries who pretend to advocate human rights.

Faisal Mekdad made the remarks in a video speech to the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council on Thursday as Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the country and neighboring Turkey on February 6, leaving more than 50,000 people dead on both sides.

The devastating impact of the deadly tremor has been exacerbated by the years-long Western blockade and unilateral sanctions against Syria, which is still fighting to eliminate the remnants of Takfiri terrorism across the country.

“The catastrophe of the earthquake that struck Syria has deepened the harsh conditions the country has been going through for twelve years. It added grave challenges and doubled the suffering of the Syrians," Mekdad said in his speech, as quoted by Syria's official SANA news agency.

"The Syrian Government quickly launched an emergency response plan at the national level to address the repercussions of the disaster, and appealed to countries and international to support the affected areas."

The top Syrian diplomat stressed that the illegal blockade has caused enormous humanitarian suffering and undermined basic human rights, including the right of the Syrian people to life, decent living, health, education and development in all forms.