This is the News in Brief from the United Nations. 

Syria: Vital humanitarian corridor under threat  

The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry warned on Thursday that it would be a failure of the highest order if the Security Council did not extend present cross-border aid to Syria. 

As the country faces its worst economic and humanitarian crisis since the start of the conflict 11 years ago, the independent Human Rights Council-mandated Commission called on the international community to safeguard existing, life-saving cross-border assistance and increase aid funding. 

The current UN Security Council’s authorization for the last remaining border crossing into northwest Syria, expires on 10 July.  

Last week, Council members expressed opposing views on the need to extend this authorization, which has guaranteed access to desperately needed humanitarian assistance for millions of Syrians, since 2014. 

Commission chair, Paulo Pinheiro said: “It is a moral abomination that a Security Council resolution was in itself deemed necessary to facilitate cross-border aid in the face of consistent violations.”  

Afghanistan at a crossroads 

Facing critical human rights challenges, Afghanistan finds itself at a dangerous crossroads, according to UN-appointed independent human rights expert Richard Bennett. 

At the end of an 11-day visit to the country, the new Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan urged Taliban authorities to bring stability and freedom to all, especially women. 

During a news conference in Kabul, he welcomed the opportunity to meet with Taliban leaders and civil society, including women’s rights defenders, journalists, and members of the judiciary. 

He said, the invitation to access sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and prisons, was “a crucial commitment to ensure that transparent monitoring can be undertaken”. 

Mr. Bennet expressed his concern over the humanitarian and economic crisis in the country and called on the international community to continue providing equitable humanitarian support. 

Senegal: 11 newborn babies die in hospital fire 

And finally, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed deep sadness on Thursday following the death of 11 new-born babies in a fire in the neonatal unit of a hospital in Tivaouane, Senegal.  

UNICEF Representative Silvia Danailov said: “No parent should experience the heartbreak of watching their child die”.   

According to news reports, the fire was caused by a short circuit and spread rapidly. 

Ms. Danailov said UNICEF would stand “alongside the authorities and partners on the ground” in support of families affected, and to “prevent further tragedies.” 

Liz Scaffidi, UN News.