“We are in a potentially pivotal momentwith renewed attention on Syria – especially from the region – that could aid our efforts in forging a political solution to this conflict,” he said.
“But for this new attention to help unlock progress, many actors will need to take specific steps – not just a group of actors.”
Diplomacy continues
Mr. Pedersen said that since the earthquake in February, diplomatic activity has continued to involve the Syrian government and “Astana players” – a reference to the December 2019 meeting between Russia, Türkiye and Iran in the Kazakh capital – as well as “new opportunities for engagement”. between Syria and the Arab countries.
The special envoy also continues to be involved in facilitating a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process. He stressed that “the UN cannot do this alone” and needs the support of all stakeholders.
“No existing group of players – not Syrian parties, not Astana players, not Western players, not Arab players – can bring about a political solution on their own,” he said. .
“Unlocking each of Syria’s myriad problems requires a number of keys – each key is held by a different stakeholder who cannot be ignored and can be prevented if excluded. .”
Seize the opportunity
Progress will require, he said, a larger group of actors working together, all of whom will have to contribute, in a coordinated, multilateral effort.
“I will continue to engage directly with the Syrian parties and remind them, especially at this time with the Syrian Government, that they should seize the opportunity with a ready to move forward on substantive issues,” he said.
Mr. Pedersen also stressed his willingness to facilitate inter-Syrian dialogue, including the reconvening of the Constitutional Commission in Geneva, which has not met for almost a year.
During the interim, he continued to convene many Syrians in Geneva and the region, including representatives of women and civil society. “These meetings show that the Syrians still have a lot of things they can agree on, overcoming many divisions,” he said.
Violence is on the rise
Mr Pedersen also expressed concern that the brief calm following the deadly February earthquake had been further eroded. Violent incidents are increasing in the northwest involving pro-government forces, armed opposition forces and the terrorist group HTS.
He said the relative peace in the northeast had been disrupted by Turkey and armed opposition groups targeting the positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia leadership, supposedly in response to SDF missile and artillery attacks, including Turkish soldiers.
Israeli attacks are becoming more and more frequent, while southwestern Syria remains chaotic. ISIL sporadic attacks also appear to be increasing in some areas, with increasing attacks by the Government, Russia and the US-led coalition in response.
‘Unprecedented’ demand
Lisa Doughten, Resource Mobilization Director for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the scale of the current humanitarian need in Syria is “unprecedented, even in the long and devastating history of Syria.” the Syrian crisis”. OCHASpeaking on behalf of the relief team leader Martin Griffiths.
Referring to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria nearly three months ago, she said the UN was continuing to assist with recovery in the hard-hit northwest Syria.
More than three million people have received hot meals and meals, while 1.1 million have received some form of healthcare.
A child sleeps on relief items at a reception center in the town of Jandairis, northern Syria.
remove the wreckage
She told the ambassadors that more than 470,000 cubic meters of rubble had been cleared, but although progress had been made, “a lot of work remains to be done”. She said the devastation underscored the “brutal reality” facing millions of Syrians:
“12 years of armed conflict, growing macroeconomic pressures, declining public services and deterioration of critical infrastructure, have left the Syrian people highly vulnerable to shocks and stresses. straight, let alone the recent destructive earthquakes.”
Nearly seven million people are internally displaced across the country, many times, she reminds. About 80% have been displaced “for at least 5 years”.
“Sustainable solutions are needed to this crisis, starting with ending conflict.”
She said the three border crossings available in the northwest, on the Turkish border, continue to be an essential aid corridor, with “almost daily” inter-agency convoys running into the millions. every month.
She told the ambassadors that sustained support from donors, local authorities, Member States “and this Council”, was essential “to keep up with the humanitarian needs of the day.” today, and even more so, of tomorrow.”
