Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East (Syria)

Thank you Mr. President.

I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and OCHA USG Fletcher for their briefings.

Mr. President,

A path to peaceful Syria—both domestically and with its neighbors—remains fragile.

At home, we reiterate the importance of an inclusive, transparent, and credible political transition towards democratic, strong and reliable state institutions. We underscore the need to advance efforts aimed at promoting stability, achieving transitional justice, and fostering genuine national reconciliation.

In international community, we hope Syria will continue to build peaceful relations with its neighbors and the wider region.

We encourage the transitional authorities to uphold these principles throughout the process.

Today, I wish to make the following points:

First and foremost: We urgently call for an immediate end to violence across Syria. Reports of crimes — including executions, arbitrary killings, kidnappings, looting, and the destruction of property — are deeply alarming. Of particular concern are reports of abductions, trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls, especially those from Druze and Alawite communities. We are also deeply troubled by emerging patterns in the abuse of women, including abuses perpetrated by armed combatants. This must stop immediately.

Syrian interim authorities must assert full control over the security forces and ensure accountability for all perpetrators regardless of affiliation or rank, in line with international law, standards, and the constitutional declaration.

Syrians need to see that the state and its security forces exist solely to protect and serve them. In this context, the security sector reform must advance in parallel with tangible measures that guarantee the protection and safety of all civilians. This is essential to restoring trust, ensuring security, promoting the rule of law, and fostering national unity.

Secondly: The recent violence outbreaks underscore the critical importance of building a future for Syria that is truly inclusive as lasting peace and security depend on genuine inclusion. We urge the Syrian interim authorities to make this a priority in the political transition. Every Syrian deserves a voice in shaping its country’s future. The establishment of the People’s Assembly as the interim legislative is a key opportunity to build a stable political system based on pluralism and accountability.

For the transition to succeed, the commitments in the Constitutional Declaration must be fully respected. Equally important is the full inclusion of all major Syrian groups as voters and candidates, with women’s full, equal, safe and meaningful participation playing a fundamental role. Ensuring meaningful inclusion—especially in conflict-affected areas —remains a significant challenge and must be addressed as a priority.

Third: The humanitarian situation in Syria remains very serious. We urgently call for full, regular, and unrestricted access for all aid organizations, to help those in need. The international community must support the Syrian people in addressing their urgent needs and rebuilding their country. The United Nations, especially Special Envoy Pedersen, has a vital role in this effort and in advancing an inclusive political process in line with the spirit of the principles of the Resolution 2254.

Let me end this statement by reaffirming our support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and call on Israel to respect the demilitarized zone and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Mr. President, colleagues,

We are ready to work with Syria, this Council, and the wider international community in support of a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable future — one that the Syrian people rightfully deserve.

I thank you.

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