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

Thank you, Madam President.

I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and OCHA Director Wosornu for their briefings as well as Ms. Ibrahim and Ms. Jarbawi for their valuable contributions.

Madam President,

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions that are engulfing the wider Middle East, progress on a political solution in Syria and beyond is urgently needed. In addition to intensified hostilities in parts of Syria, we are witnessing the spill-over effects of regional escalations, in particular the war in Gaza and the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon. As we’ve heard today from the Special Envoy, they both have a direct impact on Syria. The situation is not sustainable and the need for maximum restraint and calm is critical.  

Slovenia reiterates its urgent call for an immediate end to the hostilities in Lebanon, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the de-escalation across the region, including in Syria, in line with the Security Council resolution 2254, working toward a nationwide ceasefire. 

The implications of regional tensions for Syria and Syrians are alarming. Tens of thousands of Syrians, many of whom have been displaced multiple times, are once again fleeing for their lives. On the other hand, hundreds of thousands of children, women, and men are crossing into Syria on foot, gripped by overwhelming fear and anguish. They urgently require humanitarian assistance. Reports indicate that at least 60 % of those crossing are under the age of 18. Among them are Syrians who had already fled to Lebanon because of the conflict in their homeland. Now, they face a state of terror and destitution, forced to relive the nightmare and uncertainty of displacement yet again. We should be under no illusion that Syrians are making voluntary and informed decisions to return to Syria.

Slovenia is particularly concerned about the reports that a number of Syrians who crossed from Lebanon into Syria to flee the war, have been arrested upon their arrival. Syria already has one of the highest numbers of detained, abducted, and missing persons in the world. It is clear humanitarian imperative that the fate and whereabouts of missing persons in Syria are clarified.

The current displacement crisis adds an additional burden on Syria and its local responders, who are still in the midst of a widespread humanitarian crisis, with almost 17 million people in need of humanitarian assistance throughout the country – the highest in over a decade of conflict that severely damaged basic civilian infrastructure.

Slovenia also reiterates that Syria needs sustainable, predictable and efficient aid flows – including cross-border and cross-line aid – across the entire country for as long as needed. Humanitarian actors need greater predictability to plan their activities and they must be able to conduct their work safely. This can be done only if all parties comply with international humanitarian law.

Madam President,

In conclusion, as the situation is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable with each passing day, we reiterate our full support to Special Envoy’s efforts and we call on all parties to cooperate substantively and fully toward delivering a lasting political settlement in Syria.  Peace is definitely worth more than any political or military victory. People of Syria need and deserve peace after enduring over a decade of war. Peace will only be sustainable if inclusive and just. It is therefore worth repeating that accountability and justice for victims are a sine qua non toward achieving this goal. Everyone responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights must be held accountable. 

I thank you.

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