Statement by Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations Klemen Ponikvar at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East, Syria

Thank you Mr. President.

Mr. President,

I would like to begin by thanking Deputy Envoy Rochdi and Director Wosornu for their briefings. I would also like to thank as well as Ms. Zainedin for her valuable contribution today.

Mr. President,

The ongoing tense and violent situation across many fronts in Syria is highly worrying, especially in combination with the escalation of violence in the wider region. The war in Gaza and the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon in particular. We urge all major stakeholders to redouble their efforts towards regional de-escalation in the interest of long-term peace and stability for all.

In this growing regional turmoil, the implications for Syria and Syrians are alarming. Moreover, this is happening on our watch. Once again tens of thousands of Syrians, many of whom have been displaced multiple times, are fleeing for their lives. Once again they are forced to relive the nightmare of displacement, despair and uncertainty. Most of those who are returning back to Syria, are doing so under aversive conditions and extreme pressure. These people, women, children and older persons in particular, are in a situation of acute vulnerability and have immense and urgent needs.

In light of the situation unfolding, we call on the Syrian government to prioritize the welfare of all people on its territory, with no distinction between them on religious, sectarian, ethnic or political grounds. Enhancing cooperation with UNHCR would be a necessary step in order to ensure full humanitarian and protection needs for all.

We call also on the Syrian government and de facto authorities on the ground to ensure long term safety of the returnees.

Mr. President,

The Syrian crisis remains one of the world’s worst and most enduring humanitarian situations. The current displacement influx from Lebanon adds an additional strain on the response. Almost 17 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. On top of that with only a month left in the year, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria is only 28 per cent funded, as mentioned by Director Wosornu earlier. We echo the appeal of humanitarians to urgently and significantly increase support for humanitarian efforts in Syria. In addition, to cope with the scale of the situation, all forms of aid delivery – including cross-border aid and aid delivered across the front lines – remain crucial. Humanitarian actors need greater predictability to plan their activities and they must be able to conduct their work safely.

As the situation is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable with each passing day, we call on all actors, Syrian and international – including Israel – to comply with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. 

Mr. President,

In conclusion, we reiterate our full support to Special Envoy’s efforts and we call on the Syrian government to engage in a political process towards a sustainable and comprehensive political solution, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.

I thank you.

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