Merci Monsieur le
Président et merci à Mme Rochdi, Monsieur Griffiths et Monsieur Darwish pour leurs informations mises à jour sur la situation en Syrie.
Mr. President,
The situation in Syria has not improved since our last meeting. It remains a dark festival of the horrible, of the unacceptable. I will try not to repeat things that we have said before, and will limit my remarks on a few key points:
First, the situation on the ground. Ongoing hostilities, including airstrikes and shelling across the country continue with their usual lot of causalities, displacement of civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure. Conflict remains intense in frontline areas and pockets across country, with an enduring risk of major escalation.
Needless to say that hostilities and, in general, a multidimensional crisis exacerbate an already terrible humanitarian situation, my second point, as we heard from USG Griffiths. Humanitarian aid needs to reach everyone, everywhere. What we just heard from the US delegation should bring relief to all those in need in Syria.
We support the implementation of all aspects of the cross-border resolution 2642 (2022), over the coming months as well as early recovery initiatives and humanitarian access through all modalities, including crossline deliveries and remain, convinced on the crucial need of this mechanism as lifeline for million in North East and we call for its renewal for at least 12 months next January.
Third, the political track. We wish there were more news than keeping record of the successive meetings – when they happen or allowed to happen by the regime’s sponsor – of the Syrian-led Constitutional Committee under UN auspices in Geneva. We strongly support the efforts of the Special Envoy and his “steps for steps” approach to furthering the political process and the implementation of SC resolution 2254 (2015). But he cannot walk alone there. The lack of trust undermines his genuine efforts. Without will and true efforts, the current deadlock will continue prolonging the agony of a country in dire need for hope. We welcome the involvement of the civil society in this process.
Forth, these eleven long years of war, marred by the worst of atrocities, grave and outspread human rights violations have inflicted untold pain on Syria’s civilians.
Syria is today one of the countries that has the highest numbers of detained, and missing persons. We have repeatedly called in this chamber for the creation of an independent mechanism with a strong international mandate to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing people.
We commend the Secretary-General`s study “on how to bolster efforts, including through existing measures and mechanisms, to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing people in Syria and provide support to their families”. It should be a key priority, deliver concrete results in order bring relief to families and build trust and confidence amongst the Syrians, we heard from Mr. Darwish, rightfully so.
Fifth, the overall security situation in Al-Hol camp remains dire with reports of increased numbers of sexual violence. Also, the situation for women and children in the “widows’ camps” in north-west Syria remains largely under the radar. Women and their children are under threat of violence with no means to earn a living and no access to basic services. Children are particularly at risk and many are involved in child labour in the camps. We wonder what kind of adults children raised in such horrible conditions will become.
Finally, Mr. President, I wish to highlight the issue of impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Accountability for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law is crucial to achieving sustainable peace in accordance with resolution 2254.
No just and sustainable future can be built sitting on the top of a mountain of crimes committed in Syria.
Syrians need a future, one that they can build themselves, in freedom and with justice.
Thank you
