Bishop welcomes UN vote on Syria

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has welcomed UN support for an Australian co-sponsored resolution on the Syrian crisis, but warns it's only a first step.

The UN Security Council adopted a unanimous but non-binding resolution calling for the lifting of the siege on several Syrian cities to allow passage of humanitarian aid convoys in the war-torn country.

The resolution was drafted by Australia, Jordan and Luxembourg and had the backing of Britain, France and the United States.

The council reached unanimous agreement on a resolution after a three-year deadlock.

Ms Bishop said adoption of the resolution was a necessary step by the council to address the appalling suffering of the Syrian people.

"But it's only a first step," she said in a statement on Monday, adding the resolution must be fully implemented on the ground.

Primary responsibility for that was with the Syrian authorities.

"This is the biggest and most devastating humanitarian crisis facing the world today," Ms Bishop said.