The country is facing its worst economic crisis since the war began, as well as a deadly cholera outbreak that is rapidly spreading.
Mr Pedersen reported on his recent “busy period of diplomacy” with key Syrian and international stakeholders, including in relation to the suspended Constitutional Committee meetings. stagnation in Geneva.
Long way to go
“This political solution is the only way to lasting peace,” he speakspeaking from the Swiss city.
“Sadly, we are now a long way from achieving this goal, and there are diplomatic and grassroots challenges that make moving toward a comprehensive solution difficult. But the status quo is unacceptable and There are ways forward.”
Seven years ago, Security Council adopted Resolution 2254 outlining the roadmap for a peace process in Syria.
The ISIL threat still exists
So far, the political process has not benefited the Syrian people, and conflict remains “very active” across the country, Mr. Pedersen said.
Listing examples, he said the terrorist group ISIL remained a serious threat. One of the largest arsenals since its fall was recently discovered in the northeast, underlining the rebels’ continued capacity to carry out attacks.
Pro-government air strikes have also been reported in areas of northwestern Syria, which have not been reported for a long time.
Meanwhile, in the northeast, drone strikes, mutual shelling and confrontation were reported between the Syrian Democratic Forces on the one hand, Türkiye on the other, and armed groups. Opposition.
Building trust between stakeholders
The envoy detailed his many skirmishes in recent weeks, including with the Syrian foreign minister and the president of the opposition Syrian National Council (SNC).
He also met with the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia and Türkiye, and their counterparts from Egypt and Jordan, as well as high-ranking officials from Arab countries, the United States, Germany and other countries. other Europe.
Mr. Pedersen said he was urging all stakeholders to “engage in step-by-step confidence-building measures” to advance Resolution 2254.
“The main Syrian and international stakeholders need to rebuild their confidence that cooperation on Syria is possible, that the other side is willing and able to provide, and that Syria can be firewalled from conflicts. other conflicts. That confidence can only be built with concrete actions,” he stressed.
Participation will continue. So far, he said, some countries have identified “concrete areas for potential steps”, but negotiations need to go further.
The Syrian Constitutional Committee meets in Geneva (file photo).
Syrian Constitutional Committee
The UN special envoy also continued his work to remove obstacles surrounding the reconvening of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, which includes representatives from the Government, the opposition and civil society.
Government candidates did not arrive in Geneva after Russia cited concerns about the venue.
Mr. Pedersen has since discussed the matter with Russia, Switzerland, Syria and the SNC.
“Even assuming the sessions continue in Geneva, this will not be enough to restore trust of the Commission in the eyes of most Syrians and international stakeholders,” he said.
“That is why I am looking to work with the parties and the co-chairs so that when the meetings reconnect, there will be political will to engage in a spirit of compromisewith faster speed, better working method and more quality. ”
Arbitrary arrests continue
The special envoy and his team continue to monitor the issue of detainees, missing and missing persons.
“Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports of arbitrary arrests across the country,” he said.
“Meanwhile, six months after the president’s pardon, there is nothing new to report. Although we continue to participate, Official information not coming soonas well as independent supervision has not been facilitated. ”
Remembering Syrian women
Mr. Pedersen began his press conference by thanking the many Syrians, both at home and abroad, who continue to be attached to his office.
He expressed particular gratitude to the women of Syria, noting that although they have endured countless outrages during the conflict, many have found ways to work together through their divisions. surname.
“They are the embodiment of a hope that a political settlement that can bring real peace and enabling Syrian women to take up their worthy and hard-earned place in society,” he said.
Cholera ‘tragedy’ comes as no surprise
The Council also heard how communities in Syria are struggling to survive amid a growing security, public health and economic crisis.
Reena Ghelani, Director of the United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHAprovide a update during a cholera outbreak.
More than 20,000 suspected cases The waterborne disease has so far been confirmed, and at least 80 people have died.
“This is a tragedy, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise,” she commented. “Millions of people across Syria lack reliable access to adequate and safe water, and a health system has been ravaged by more than a decade of conflict.”
In a camp for people displaced by conflict in northwest Syria, children cool off from soaring summer temperatures in the back of a truck made into a makeshift swimming pool.
Water crisis worse
The outbreak is further complicated by factors such as poor rainfall in many locations, severe drought conditions and damaged water infrastructure.
Ghelani said the UN and its partners have been sounding the alarm about the water crisis in northern Syria for at least the past year.
“The crisis is likely to get worse,’ she warned. “The outlook for now through December suggests the possibility of an increase in below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures.”
The UN has a three-month plan to respond to the outbreak. It calls $34.4 million supporting 162,000 people with health services, and five million with water, sanitation and hygiene support.
Under-funded winter plan
Humanitarians are also bracing for another harsh winter in Syria, with blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, rain and flooding expected soon.
“This year, the number of people who need assistance with freezing has already increased an amazing 30% increase across the country compared to the previous year,” said Ghelani.
“In the northwest, about two million people depend on winter assistance to meet their most basic needs. Most are women and children living in camps with limited or no access for heating, electricity, water, or sewage treatment. ”
A winter response plan is still “underfunded,” she said, adding that housing and non-food items are currently only 10% funded.
Ms. Ghelani emphasized that “if this void is not filled, family will not receive heating, fuel, blankets and winter clothing that they desperately need to stay warm. ”
