Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East, Syria

Thank you Madam President.

At the beginning, I would like to express our gratitude to both briefers as well as to Ms. al-Kateab and Mr. Jamous for their valuable contributions. Special Envoy Pedersen, my country greatly appreciated your voice after the fall of the Assad regime as well as your engagement with the caretaker authorities in the days that followed.

Madam President, colleagues,

The transfer of power in Syria carries profound emotional weight for the nation that has endured years of conflict. Years of loss and fractured unity. For many, the idea of change is both a beacon of hope and a source of anxiety. It symbolizes the possibility of healing a war-torn country and rebuilding of a future rooted in dignity and justice. Yet, it also brings deep fears of continued instability, reprisals, and the resurfacing of old wounds.

Today, Syrians find themselves at a crossroad. Entering uncharted waters.  Filled with hope. Hope that their legitimate aspirations to live a life in peace, freedom and prosperity could be realized at last.

In this regard, Madam President, I would like to make the following remarks.

First. Prosperous future depends on a credible and inclusive political transition, an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, which should take place in line with the key principles of the resolution 2254 (2015). In this regard, I would like to emphasize that women must be able to participate fully, safely and meaningfully in all processes.

While doing so, Syria must abide by all relevant resolutions of the Council. We are especially stressing all parties’ obligations related to the fight against terrorism. In particular, we would like to underscore the importance of preventing the Islamic State and other groups from reestablishing their capabilities and denying them safe-haven in Syria. The caretaker authorities must also respect Syria’s other international obligations, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Second. Years of hostilities across all of Syria have exacerbated humanitarian needs. We join others in urging for additional international support for the efforts of the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to surge humanitarian aid to support civilians in need across Syria. We expect the caretaker authorities to hold true to its commitments of ensuring full humanitarian access and the continuity of essential services.

All efforts should be accompanied by preventing further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access.

Third. We call upon all States to ensure all those responsible for the crimes committed are held accountable. It is equally important that evidence of atrocities is preserved and documented. We call on all parties to cooperate fully with the Independent Institution on Missing Persons (IIMP), which we hope will be operational as soon as possible, the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria (CoI). Survivors, victims and their loved ones deserve justice, truth and reparations. Accounting for the missing and ensuring that families receive the clarity and recognition they desperately need should be a priority.

Sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Syria are imperative. We echo Secretary-General’s concern about recent extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no way around the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including the principles regarding the Area of Separation that must be fully respected and implemented.

Slovenia fully supports UNDOF and the implementation of its mandate. 

Madam President,

The people of Syria deserve justice, peace and stability, but they also deserve much more. After more than 50 years of the rule of the Assad family, they deserve a peace of mind that history will not repeat itself. The change that this transition brings should not only shift Syria away from the violent conflict, but also from the decades of repression and atrocities. Actions by the de facto authorities showing full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law would be an indispensable first step in this direction.

I thank you.

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