‘Syria Facing Highest Levels of Humanitarian Need Since Start of 13-Year Crisis’, Senior Official Tells Security Council
Speakers Underscore Need for Parties to Protect Civilians, Constructively Engage in United Nations-Facilitated Political Process
Against the backdrop of a two-year political deadlock in a 13-year-old conflict, Syria remains beset by ongoing violence, an economic crisis and a worsening humanitarian situation, the Security Council heard today, as the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Envoy for the country urged sustained de-escalation towards a nationwide ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid via all modalities and parties’ meaningful engagement in a political process under UN auspices.
Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, said many Syrians are living in a climate of fear because of an ongoing tense and violent security situation. In addition to serious escalatory incidents this past month, including strikes attributed to Israel, Türkiye and the Russian Federation, the country is facing an economic crisis, sharply declining humanitarian conditions with 7.2 million Syrians internally displaced, and enormously increasing rates of violence against women and girls.
“None of these challenges can be sustainably addressed without a meaningful UN-facilitated political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015),” she emphasized, urging support for a Syrian-led and -owned political process supported by key international actors. The first step on this path is sustained de-escalation and the maintenance of calm, towards a nationwide ceasefire. She also called for unimpeded aid and access through all modalities and urged that any adverse effects of sanctions on ordinary Syrians must be mitigated and avoided.
Warning that “Syria is in danger of being forgotten”, she said the United Nations will leave “no stone unturned” to facilitate a credible political process and to building a better future for all Syrians.
Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said “Syria is facing its highest levels of humanitarian need since the start of this 13-year crisis”, with nearly 13 million people — more than half the country’s population — already facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Meanwhile, the economy — which shrank by an estimated 1.2 per cent in 2023 — is projected to contract by an additional 1.5 per cent in 2024. With the UN’s humanitarian appeal less than 13 per cent funded, he warned that, “if the funding situation does not change, the impact on the people of Syria will be dire”.
He welcomed the Government of Syria’s consent for the continued use of the Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee routes, expressing hope it will extend its consent for the use of the Bab al-Hawa crossing beyond 13 July. Stressing that the need for cross-line deliveries of assistance is no less critical, he said engagement continues on long-delayed missions to Idleb and the Ras al-Ain and Tell Abiad areas in northern Syria; and on expanding the availability of routes through Deir ez-Zor Governorate.
In the ensuing debate, Council members echoed the UN officials’ calls for unhindered humanitarian access and urged Damascus to extend its authorization for the Bab al-Hawa border crossing on the Syria-Türkiye border, which is set to expire in July. Speakers also voiced concern about ongoing hostilities in the country and once again underscored the need for parties to protect civilians and constructively engage in a UN-facilitated political process.
The representative of Switzerland warned that living conditions and the protection of civilians in Syria are steadily deteriorating, with a palpable risk that it “will become a failed State”. Calling for a ceasefire respected by all parties and covering the whole of Syria, with a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015), he noted that Geneva remains ready to host any initiatives or peace talks under the aegis of the UN.
The representative of Algeria, speaking also on behalf of Guyana, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, said resolution 2254 (2015) should form the basis of any political solution, which can only be achieved through a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process under the auspices of the United Nations. He called for stepped-up efforts to advance on the political track and urged the international community to work towards a viable solution to ensure Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The representative of the United States, noting the Special Envoy for Syria’s forthcoming trip to Moscow, urged the Russian Federation and the Assad regime to “stop the stalling and the excuses” and instead engage productively in the Constitutional Committee and other aspects of resolution 2254 (2015). Iran and its proxies and partners seek only to advance in Syria their own destabilizing agenda, she added, affirming that the United States will continue to work with its diplomatic partners towards reducing tensions and preventing escalation in Syria and neighbouring countries.
The representative of the Russian Federation, however, pointed to the destructive actions of Israel, which continues to carry out arbitrary strikes on Syrian infrastructure. Achieving sustainable stabilization in Syria is only possible through ending the foreign military presence, in violation of that country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ending the regular air strikes carried out by the Israeli forces, he stressed.
China’s representative said countries concerned must scale up their support to early recovery and reconstruction projects and cease immediately their unilateral sanctions and illegal plundering of resources. He voiced hope that UN humanitarian agencies can provide more briefings to the Council on the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures on the humanitarian situation in Syria.
The representative of France, asserting that Damascus continues to block any political progress, said “it is on the condition of tangible progress on the political front that the sanctions will be lifted, and we can consider reconstruction”. Turning to the situation of Syrian refugees in the region, he noted the burden of neighbouring countries, which host millions of refugees, and pledged France’s contribution of €150 million for 2024 to that end.
Syria’s representative pointed to a downward spiral as a result of “the barbaric crimes that the Israeli occupation continues to perpetrate in Gaza and the West Bank, and the current threats it is making against Lebanon”, as well as its “continued aggression on our country”. Instead of calming the situation, the United States and a number of its allies have given priority to the interests of the Israeli occupation entity, providing political, military and financial support — while preventing the Council from implementing resolutions related to the Israeli conflict. “All Syrians continue to suffer as a result of unilateral coercive measures,” he added, calling on the UN Secretariat to issue a study on the impact of coercive measures on humanitarian work in his country and on the Syrian people.
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Briefings
NAJAT ROCHDI, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, warning that “Syria is in danger of being forgotten”, said the country is in grave crisis and none of its myriad problems can be sustainably addressed without a political solution. Many Syrians are living in a climate of fear because of an ongoing tense and violent security situation. Detailing serious escalatory incidents this past month, she noted further air strikes attributed to Israel in Aleppo and in southern Syria, missile strikes attributed to pro-Government forces in the north-west, and drone strikes attributed to Türkiye in north-east Syria, alongside multiple exchanges of front-line fire between armed opposition groups, the Syrian Democratic Forces and Government forces. She also pointed to three Russian Federation air strikes near Al-Tanf, violent clashes in Sweida between Government forces and local militias, and increasing attacks by Da’esh across central and northern Syria.
“Humanitarian conditions remain in sharp decline, compounded by the profound economic crisis,” she emphasized, recalling the Humanitarian Task Force meeting last week in Geneva where she stressed that the generous pledges made in Brussels must be translated into urgent disbursement, including for early recovery. “Syrians need unimpeded aid and access through all modalities — cross border and cross line,” she underscored, noting that repeated denials for cross-line convoys by parties across all Syria are depriving communities from life-saving aid, including in Rukban camp where the situation is particularly dire. Any adverse effects of sanctions on ordinary Syrians must be mitigated and avoided, in particular by the active engagement of sanctioning States to counter overcompliance, she emphasized. Member States and relevant authorities must significantly step up efforts to repatriate, in safety and dignity, all citizens who wish to return from Al Hol and other places of detention in north-east Syria, in line with international law, she said.
Tomorrow marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, she said, reporting that according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a further 174,000 Syrians were displaced within Syria during the past year. Moreover, 7.2 million are now internally displaced, alongside 6.4 million refugees, she said, urging support for host countries in the region, protection of Syrian refugees and redoubled efforts for those who wish to return by tackling the issues that inhibit safe, dignified and voluntary refugee returns. Detailing the perilous conditions faced by Syrian women, she said rates of violence against women and girls are increasing enormously, including early and forced marriage. Women are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis and resorting to other negative coping mechanisms that leave them exposed and exploited, she added.
“None of these challenges can be sustainably addressed without a meaningful UN-facilitated political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015)”, she emphasized, urging support for a Syrian-led and -owned political process supported by key international actors. Detailing her and Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen’s efforts to that end, she said the first step on this path is sustained de-escalation and the maintenance of calm, towards a nationwide ceasefire, as well as a cooperative approach to countering terrorism in line with international law. Mr. Pedersen continues to work on resolving the venue issue related to the Constitutional Committee, she said, appealing to all parties to reconvene in Geneva, as a bridging option, and prepare substantive proposals. He also continues to prepare the ground for a new comprehensive approach as they continue to seek the constructive engagement of the Syrian parties and key stakeholders. Moreover, she and the Special Envoy will continue to engage the Syrian people, without whom a political process is not possible.
The hundreds of Syrian men, women and youth with whom she has met in the last months are united by their love of country and want to reconnect the Syrian people, she said. They are also united by a shared sense that all of this requires a credible political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015). “The United Nations will leave no stone unturned to facilitate such a process and to building a better future for all Syrians,” she concluded.
RAMESH RAJASINGHAM, Director of Coordination, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, speaking on behalf of Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that, while the Muslim world marked Eid al-Adha last week, for people in Syria, celebrations were marred by the ongoing economic crisis. The economy — which shrank by an estimated 1.2 per cent in 2023 — is projected to contract by an additional 1.5 per cent in 2024. Nearly 13 million people — more than half the country’s population — are already facing high levels of acute food insecurity, he said, adding that over 650,000 children under the age of five show signs of stunting due to severe malnutrition, and a third of Syria’s children live in food poverty — consuming just two or fewer food groups a day.
The economic crisis, coupled with the ongoing impacts of conflict in Syria and the wider region, is a key reason why the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) identify Syria as a situation of very high concern for worsening food insecurity in the coming five months, he continued. “While humanitarian assistance cannot reverse this crisis, it can save lives and alleviate some of the worst suffering,” he said, noting that halfway through 2024, the UN’s humanitarian appeal remains less than 13 per cent funded. “This is the lowest level of funding of all ten of our largest global country appeals,” he stated. Welcoming the pledges made at the Brussels Conference in May, he warned that “if the funding situation does not change, the impact on the people of Syria will be dire”.
He further reported that the provision of safe water and sanitation services has been disrupted in parts of northern Syria, increasing exposure to health risks in the hot summer months. Health services have had to be scaled back, and dozens of health facilities risk closure in the coming weeks unless they receive additional funding. Even though WFP resumed deliveries of emergency food assistance last month — after months of suspension due to funding deficits — he expressed concern that, at current funding levels, it will only be able to assist one third of the 3.1 million people who are severely food insecure. In this context, he underscored that the cross-border operation from Türkiye remains a lifeline for millions in the north-west.
The availability of the Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee crossings has also enabled more than 190 UN staff visits to north-west Syria in 2024, he said, noting that these have been critical for monitoring and assessing humanitarian projects and ensuring that aid is efficiently reaching those who need it. This includes projects like a wastewater treatment project in Idleb implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and partners and supported by the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund, which has enabled regular access to clean water for 250,000 people. He welcomed the Government of Syria’s consent for the continued use of these routes, expressing hope it will extend its consent for the use of the Bab al-Hawa crossing beyond 13 July. The need for cross-line deliveries of assistance is no less critical: to ensure more efficient movement of aid, engagement continues on long-delayed missions to Idleb and the Ras al-Ain and Tell Abiad areas in northern Syria; and on expanding the availability of routes through Deir ez-Zor Governorate.
“Syria is facing its highest levels of humanitarian need since the start of this 13-year crisis, and the situation only continues to deteriorate as each month passes,” he observed, adding that “the need for conditions more conducive to an efficient humanitarian response has never been greater”. Underlining the importance of expanding investment in early recovery efforts across the country, he said that “any hope for a durable path out of humanitarian crisis and towards development depends on a political solution to the conflict”.
Statements
The representative of Switzerland warned that living conditions and the protection of civilians in Syria are steadily deteriorating, with a palpable risk that it “will become a failed State”. Calling for a ceasefire respected by all parties and covering the whole of Syria, with a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015), he noted that Geneva remains ready to host any initiatives or peace talks under the aegis of the UN. He cited likely ongoing serious violations of international law, emphasizing that with more than 1,500 verified cases in 2023, grave violations against children continue at an alarming rate. After 13 years of crisis, 16.7 million people are in need, “with the Syrian population including the largest number of displaced people in the world”. While the Bab al-Hawa border crossing remains a vital lifeline for more than 4 million children, women and men, he stressed that humanitarian actors must be able to use all modalities, including cross border and cross line. He therefore urged all parties to allow and facilitate such humanitarian access throughout the country.
The representative of the United States called on the Syrian regime to cooperate with UN requests to open commercial access to Rukban and provide cross-line humanitarian assistance to its civilians, and urged allies and partners to join that call. Noting the imminent expiry of the regime’s arrangements with the UN regarding cross-border access through Bab al-Hawa in the north-west, she called on Damascus to both renew this access now and ensure long-term humanitarian access. Looking ahead to the Special Envoy for Syria’s trip to Moscow, she urged the Russian Federation and the Assad regime to “stop the stalling and the excuses” and instead engage productively in the Constitutional Committee and other aspects of resolution 2254 (2015). Iran and its proxies and partners seek only to advance in Syria their own destabilizing agenda, she pointed out, noting that the United States will continue to work with its diplomatic partners towards reducing tensions and preventing escalation in Syria and neighbouring countries.
The representative of the Russian Federation emphasized that there is no alternative to promoting a Syrian-led and -owned political resolution with UN mediation, strictly in compliance with resolution 2254 (2015), ensuring full respect for that country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. “Progress on the political track in Syria is now essential,” he stressed, noting that — against the backdrop of hostilities in Gaza — the atmosphere in the region remains “extremely turbulent”. Also, the humanitarian situation in Syria remains alarming, he said, noting its link to the destructive actions of Israel, which continues to carry out arbitrary strikes on Syrian infrastructure. The high level of tensions remains, also in territories not controlled by Damascus which are “hotbeds of terrorists”. He underscored that achieving sustainable stabilization in Syria is only possible through ending the foreign military presence, in violation of that country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ending the regular air strikes carried out by the Israeli forces.
The representative of the United Kingdom stressed that “in less than 20 days’ time, the current authorization for the UN to use the Bab al-Hawa border crossing will again expire” — while the cross-border response is a lifeline for 4.2 million Syrians in north-west Syria. He called for access to be granted for as long as is needed, without arbitrary deadlines and without conditions. In light of World Refugee Day last week, he cited the devastating reality for many Syrians who cannot return home, as well as the ongoing generosity of the Governments of Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye in hosting Syrian refugees. Syrians are still fleeing the country, while “the actions of the Assad regime have so far meant” that those who wish to voluntarily return cannot do so, he said. Noting that, in June, the Syrian opposition demonstrated their commitment to resolution 2254 (2015), he called on the regime to also engage constructively with the UN-facilitated political process track — “the only viable route to lasting peace in Syria”.
The representative of Algeria, speaking also on behalf of Guyana, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, voiced concern about the lack of progress in arriving at a political solution to the Syrian crisis. Resolution 2254 (2015) should form the basis of any political solution, which can only be achieved through a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process under the auspices of the United Nations. Amid regional escalations, he called for increased efforts along the political track and the international community’s collaboration towards a viable solution to ensure Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged Syrians to resume the meeting of the Constitutional Committee and engage constructively in the political process. He also called for a nationwide ceasefire and coordinated efforts in countering terrorism. All countries must respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and avoid any action that could worsen tensions, he stressed.
Voicing concern about the humanitarian situation in Syria, he urged donors to honour their commitments to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. All humanitarian paths, including cross-line and cross-border mechanisms, must be explored to ensure full, timely and unhindered humanitarian access, he said, voicing hope for the Syrian Government to extend the use of the Bab al-Hawa crossing. To create appropriate conditions for the voluntary safe and dignified returns of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons, support for early recovery projects in health education, water, electricity and housing is crucial, he said. He urged the lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria to allow the country’s economic recovery and improve its people’s living conditions. “The international community must set aside its diverging interests, unite and work together to support a better future for the Syrian people,” he emphasized.
The representative of Japan observed that the Syrian crisis has left more than 90 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. “Both the humanitarian and economic situations are at their worst,” she said, adding that the number of refugees and displaced persons from this conflict is the largest since the Second World War. On the issue of detainees and missing persons, she stated: “We cannot allow for a lost generation of Syrians to be this conflict’s legacy.” Accordingly, she urged for a political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015), adding that — while the Constitutional Committee was supposed to serve as the entry point for resolving the Syrian crisis and drafting a new Constitution — it has remained suspended for over two years. Noting that the UN now faces its most significant funding gap since the beginning of the conflict, she said that, for its part, Japan decided to provide $6.5 million for additional early recovery assistance through the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Also, Tokyo will continue to provide assistance to neighbouring refugee host countries.
The representative of Slovenia voiced concern over the ongoing spiral of violence, warning that “Syria is also not immune to the spillover effects of regional escalations, in particular from Gaza”. He called on the Government to substantively engage with the Special Envoy towards relaunching a much-needed Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. Commending Syria’s neighbouring countries for hosting large numbers of refugees for over a decade, he urged Syrian authorities to ensure the protection of all returnees. Warning about alarming reports of severe human rights violations and abuses against refugees and internally displaced persons, he called the high number of grave violations against children “simply unacceptable”. “Syria needs sustainable, predictable and efficient aid flows — including cross-border aid and cross-line aid — across whole country for as long as needed,” he stressed, while humanitarian actors must be able to work in safety and security. He further emphasized that the only long-term solution to ending the conflict is through the UN-led political process based on resolution 2254 (2015).
The representative of China voiced concern about Israel’s continued air strikes on Syria, pointing out that they constitute violations of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He welcomed the Special Envoy’s efforts on the basis of Council resolution 2254 (2015) and voiced hope that the League of Arab States (LAS) and relevant regional countries will maintain communication and cooperation with Damascus. Commending the Syrian Government’s counter-terrorism efforts, he called on the international community to observe international law, reject double standards and work in tandem to combat terrorism in the country with a zero-tolerance approach. Countries concerned must scale up their support to early recovery and reconstruction projects and cease immediately their unilateral sanctions and illegal plundering of resources, he said, voicing hope that UN humanitarian agencies can provide more briefings to the Council on the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Further, he called once again for the end of the illegal presence of foreign military forces in Syria.
The representative of France underscored that only a political solution based on the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) will allow for a just and lasting peace to reach Syria. The continued rise in tensions, the resurgence of Da’esh and the expansion of Captagon trafficking make a political solution even more urgent. Noting that the Damascus regime continues to block any political progress, he stressed that “it is on the condition of tangible progress on the political front that the sanctions will be lifted, and we can consider reconstruction”. Turning to the situation of Syrian refugees in the region, he noted the burden of neighbouring countries, which host millions of refugees, and pledged France’s contribution of €150 million for 2024 to that end. On the deteriorating humanitarian situation, he underscored the need to guarantee and sustain the delivery of humanitarian aid by all possible routes, across borders and front lines.
The representative of Malta expressed concern over the continued high number of grave violations committed against children, urging all parties in Syria to meaningfully engage with the UN on ending and preventing such violations. He further warned that the UN’s 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria remains only 12.7 per cent funded — while WFP has noted a dramatic shortfall in funding for the year. This comes at a time when some 13 million people are food insecure, with 3.1 million of them facing acute hunger. He therefore reiterated the call for Damascus to extend authorization of the Bab al-Hawa crossing. On the political track, he said “forthcoming elections in Damascus-controlled areas are no substitute for an inclusive political process leading to a new Syrian Constitution”. Only progress on the political track, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), can lead to stability in Syria. It is critical for all parties in the conflict to find compromise as “only this can ensure Syria does not completely fragment”, he stressed.
The representative of Ecuador, noting the discouraging lack of progress on the diplomatic and political tracks, called on parties to foster mutual trust to allow the resumption of dialogue, and to observe maximum restraint. Noting the increasing need for humanitarian assistance amid a growing funding gap, she said donor commitments must be revitalized to advance the Humanitarian Response Plan and the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan. She called for guaranteed unconditional humanitarian access through the Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra'ee crossings, which expire in July and August, to sustain the humanitarian operation in north-west Syria. As peace can only be achieved through reconciliation processes that promote social cohesion in Syria, the whereabouts of the more than 100,000 people who have disappeared or been arbitrarily detained must be known. Her country will continue to support the work of the Special Envoy to reach a sustainable solution to the crisis in Syria, through an inclusive political process, she said.
The representative of the Republic of Korea, Council President for June, speaking in his national capacity, spotlighted the deeply disturbing tensions between Syria and Israel, as well as in neighbouring Lebanon. Armed actors within Syria — such as Da’esh — also pose a grave concern to the region, he said, urging all parties to ensure restraint. On internal dynamics, he underscored that there is no military solution to the conflict in Syria and the road map to ending it can be found in resolution 2254 (2015). Turning to the humanitarian situation, he said that 16.7 million people in Syria are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and continue to fear for their safety. Noting the need to ensure unhindered humanitarian access, he said that, for its part, Seoul pledged $26 million for Syria and neighbouring countries at the Brussels conference in May. “The current status quo is simply not an option anymore,” he asserted, urging Damascus “to break the deadlock and move forward”.
The representative of Syria warned of the dangers of a downward spiral as a result of “the barbaric crimes that the Israeli occupation continues to perpetrate in Gaza and the West Bank, and the current threats it is making against Lebanon” — as well as its “continued aggression on our country”. Instead of calming the situation, the United States and a number of its allies have given priority to the interests of the Israeli occupation entity, providing political, military and financial support — while preventing the Security Council from implementing resolutions related to the Israeli conflict. He further stated that the United States and its allies attempt to forcibly change legitimate Governments, using UN bodies and other international organizations to target Syria. Western States have not created any United Nations mechanism to document crimes that are being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities.
“All Syrians continue to suffer as a result of unilateral coercive measures,” he stated, targeting sectors that meet its peoples’ basic needs and rights, starving them and depriving them of medical supplies and electricity. “Despite our continuous calls, some countries insist on keeping Syrians in the dark for many hours a day, after Syrians have defeated the darkness that terrorist organizations tried to impose on them,” he stated. He called on the United Nations Secretariat to issue a study on the impact of coercive measures on humanitarian work in his country and on the Syrian people — further urging donors to stop politicizing humanitarian and developmental work. The Humanitarian Response Plan has only been funded by 12 per cent, he recalled, which will push more Syrians to migrate in search of work opportunities. He charged that “some have discouraged donors from supporting humanitarian aid to prolong the suffering of the Syrians as a means of exerting pressure to achieve concessions”. He further stated that United States and Turkish forces continue to be illegally present on part of Syrian territory, calling for an immediate halt to their aggressive practices.
The representative of Iran stressed that all foreign forces whose presence is illegal in the territory of Syria must withdraw from the country. The full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of United States forces from Syria is essential for the country’s peace and stability, he added, noting that the United States, instead of combating terrorism, continues supporting UN-designated terrorist groups such as Al-Nusrah Front (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), as well as looting the oil and wealth of the Syrian people. The resumption of the Constitutional Committee’s meetings is necessary to advance the political process. Further, it must operate without any external interference or pressure or setting any artificial deadline to conclude its work. He voiced support for the Special Envoy’s efforts to resume the ninth round of constitutional discussions in Baghdad, noting it as a viable option that has received support from most parties involved. Along with its Astana format partners, Iran is committed to working towards long-term and sustainable normalization in and around Syria, he added.
Western countries have ignored the dire humanitarian and economic situation on the ground and continue to pursue their political agenda at all costs, he emphasized, calling on donors to fulfil their pledges and ensure sufficient and predictable funding. Preventing the diversion of aid to terrorist organizations in the north-west region and ensuring transparent and non-discriminatory distribution of aid are essential aspects that need careful consideration, he added, stressing the need for unhindered humanitarian access through cross-line routes, and in full coordination with Damascus. For a sustainable long-term solution, efforts must focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure to create conditions for the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons, he said.
The representative of Türkiye said that the conflict in Syria is one of the most destructive conflicts in the region — “the overall situation has become untenable”, with worsening economic, security and humanitarian conditions. “The status quo cannot continue,” he asserted, urging Damascus to initiate genuine national consensus and calling on all sides to recognize the gravity of the situation in Syria and take steps to settlement in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). Additionally, he stressed the need to create conditions necessary for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees, noting that, without a national reconciliation process that includes them, the country will continue to be prone to conflict. He further underscored that the separatist agendas of terror organizations operating in Syria pose the most significant threat to the country’s territorial integrity and unity. To alleviate the suffering of Syrian civilians, more resources must be allocated to UN humanitarian deliveries in the country, he added.
The representative of Syria, taking the floor for a second time, noted that the representative of Türkiye had discussed his Government’s willingness to contribute in bringing back stability and peace in Syria. However, to do so, “the Turkish regime must simply stop its support to terrorism which has continued for 13 years since the very first days of the crisis that they have fabricated in Syria”. He recalled that Türkiye is the primary entity responsible for the suffering of millions of Syrian children, subjected to the worst mistreatment in refugee camps on Turkish territory — including forced marriage, rape or handing them over to trafficking or terrorist networks. “The Turkish regime must change their approach towards the region,” he stressed, as Türkiye’s policies have been “a threatening element” to Syria’s stability. He further stated that “the Erdoğan regime has looted the antiquities and the treasures and wealth of the Syrian people”.
The representative of Türkiye, taking the floor for a second time, said the Syrian delegate’s statements “don’t deserve a serious answer — it just shows how the Syrian regime is detached from the realities on the ground”. That country is “the last to preach to Türkiye on the issue”, he stated, as his country “has established golden standards around the world on how to deal with refugees, how to help neighbours and how to be a constructive actor in many international issues — including Syria”.