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Statement on the situation in Syria

Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC Briefing on the Middle East (Syria)

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and USG Griffiths for their briefings. I wish to add my country’s sincere thanks to you, Mr. Griffiths for all your work as Emergency Relief Coordinator, including in Syria.

Slovenia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing spiral of violence in the Middle East. This has to stop before it pulls the whole region even further in to the conflict of no return. We echo the Special Envoy’s words –” Syria is not a frozen conflict, nor are its effects felt only in Syria.” We reiterate our call on all actors in the region, in Syria or those who can exert influence on the parties to the conflict, to exert utmost restraint, to work towards de-escalation and to respect international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law.

I would like to make the following three points:

First, we urge all actors in and out of Syria to act in good faith, to engage substantively without delay or excuse with the Special Envoy towards relaunching the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. Full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of all Syrian women in the process is highly important. There is no military solution to the conflict in Syria and only a resumption of a credible and viable political process, in line with the Security Council Resolution 2254, could lead towards a much-needed nationwide ceasefire. Special Envoy enjoys our full support in this regard.  

Second, a resumption of the political process is also essential for reversing the spiral of continued humanitarian and economic decline in Syria. OCHA’s briefing today once again confirmed how critical the situation on the ground was and how urgently more help needs to be provided.

Urgent response is needed when it comes to food, safe water, health, nutritional services and access to schools, as well as protection of the vulnerable population, especially women and children. Unfortunately, Syria also provides a demonstration of the link between climate and the humanitarian-development nexus.  We have seen the devastating consequences of recent flooding and anticipate with concern the harmful effects of the approaching heat waves and water scarcity in the summer. Early recovery efforts to strengthen the resilience of the population to extreme weather events will be critical to limit the extent of the expected damages.

We encourage all not only to call for more of the critically needed aid for Syria, but also to commit to actual pledges so as to avoid further closure of humanitarian programs and activities. In light of this, the EU pledged €2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025 at the 8th Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region’. This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighboring countries, as well as their host communities in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

Considering the scale of humanitarian needs, we reiterate the importance of ensuring sustainable, predictable and efficient aid flows – including cross-border and cross-line aid – across the whole of Syria as long as needed. We reiterate that all parties must allow and facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to and through areas under their control. We emphasize the role of humanitarian workers who must be able to work in safety and security.

Implementation of the UNSC resolutions and full respect of international law are therefore a key factor in ameliorating the humanitarian disaster.  

Third, advancement on the political track, could pave the way towards creating an environment conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Conditions for their safe, dignified and voluntary return are not met yet. We urge the Government of Syria to do its part and effectively address the underlying causes and create the environment that would allow them to voluntarily return in safety and dignity.

We commend Syria’s neighboring countries for hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees for over a decade while navigating their own economic challenges and we encourage them to continue to do so.

However, we are highly concerned about the reports of severe human rights violations and abuses against Syrian refugees in some places of Syria’s neighboring countries, including arbitrary detention, torture, and forced deportations, violating the principle of non-refoulement in international law. This is unacceptable and has to stop, including through ensuring accountability and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Finally, people of Syria have suffered enough. A “status quo” is not in the interest of people of Syria, nor should it be in the interest of the Government of Syria.  It is high time to reinvigorate the political process. This is essential in moving towards a much-needed nationwide ceasefire for the people of Syria and the wider region.

Thank you.

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