Country: Syrian Arab Republic Source: UN Office of the Special Envoy for Syria Please refer to the attached file. Thank you, Mr. President (USA), Special Envoy Barrack, and thank you also for your active role on Syria. 1. Since I last briefed the Council, I visited Syria for consultations with Foreign Minister Shaibani, senior officials, and a wide range of Syrians, UN colleagues and members of the diplomatic community. I saw first-hand the widespread destruction and legacy of abuses, including those epitomized by Sednaya prison. As Syrians mark this month the fifteenth anniversary of the revolution, we reflect on the immense human cost of the conflict, the aspirations that animated the early demonstrations, the long struggle that ensued, and our efforts, including in this Council, to support a future in which Syrians can live in dignity, peace and stability. Mr. President, 2. Let me first address the alarming regional escalation and its impact on Syria. Incidents inside Syrian territory have mainly involved the crashing of debris following interception of Iranian missiles and drones in Syrian airspace, causing civilian casualties, and one incident of shelling from Lebanon attributed to Hezbollah. In addition, Israeli helicopter and drone operations in Syrian airspace have increased, and Israeli forces continued to carry out incursions into Syrian territory. Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have claimed both Lebanese and Syrian lives, and resulted in approximately 140,000 persons, mostly Syrians, crossing into Syria seeking safety. 3. I reiterate our call in this context on Israel to fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhere to the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, and refrain from any actions that could undermine Syria’s stability and political transition. 4. I commend the Syrian Government for its engagement with regional and international stakeholders, to insulate Syria from further escalation and ensure Syrian territory is not used in ways that could widen the conflict. As the Secretary-General has stressed, respect for international law, de-escalation and dialogue remain essential to prevent further regional fall-out of this devastating war. Mr. President, 5. A year ago, the Constitutional Declaration set out a five-year political transition culminating in a permanent constitution and new elections by 2030. Syrians rightly look to its full implementation. 6. Yesterday, indirect elections for four vacant seats in Raqqa governorate took place. The Supreme Committee for Elections has indicated that voting for a further 11 seats in Hasakah governorate and in the district of Ain-al-Arab, also known as Kobane, will take place in the coming weeks. This is expected to be followed by the announcement of 70 presidential appointees and of the date of the opening session of parliament. We look forward to Syria’s regions and diverse population, especially women, to be meaningfully represented in the People’s Assembly, given its role in shaping legislation and potentially Syria’s permanent constitution, which must be a cornerstone of an inclusive nation, with checks and balances and respect for human rights. Mr. President, 7. By creating the National Commission for Transitional Justice, the Syrian Government has recognized the critical importance of restoring the rule of law, ensuring accountability and fostering reconciliation. I was pleased to meet the Commission in Damascus, to note how active they have been in the first six months, and to offer our concrete support. Its members continue to engage with national and international partners as they chart the course ahead. Further progress will require close coordination with the Ministries of Justice and Interior and legislative reforms to strengthen the justice system and equip it to deal with atrocity crimes. Meaningful engagement with civil society and victims, and compliance with human rights standards, will remain central. 8. With regards to the overall human rights situation in Syria, the latest report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry highlighted last week both persistent concerns and positive steps taken by the Syrian authorities. I echo the Commission’s call for an inclusive vision for Syria, alongside urgent measures to strengthen rule-of-law institutions, including through a comprehensive security sector reform. And I welcome the Syrian Government’s constructive response to the report, noting reform initiatives, cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and commitments to accountability. 9. On Sweida, I welcome the agreement reached on 26 February on a prisoner exchange, in which 61 persons were released by the Syrian Government and 25 persons were released by local forces loyal to Shiekh Hikmat Al-Hijri. Yet I remain concerned at the continuing unresolved issues in Sweida. Further confidence-building steps are essential for advancing the implementation of the political and mili
Related Articles
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.