S/PV.9937 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Security Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic, Türkiye and Yemen to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria; Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Ms. Amneh Khoulani, Human Rights Defender and Executive Director of Adalaty Centre. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. Rochdi. Ms. Rochdi: It is an honour to brief the Security Council. Let me, at the outset, echo the Secretary-General’s condemnation of any military escalation in the Middle East and his call on Israel and Iran to show maximum restraint. I must convey to the Council the Special Envoy’s profound and growing alarm over the potential consequences of any further escalation, not only for the broader region, but particularly for Syria, a country already stretched beyond the limits. Syria simply cannot withstand another wave of instability. The risks of further escalation in the region are not hypothetical; they are immediate and severe and risk unravelling the fragile progress towards peace and recovery in Syria. Special Envoy Pedersen spent much of the reporting period in Damascus, with a short visit to Lebanon. While in Damascus, he met with a range of senior Syrian officials, including the interim Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice, Education and Higher Education, the Chair of the Civil Peace Committee, as well as the Governor of the Central Bank. Discussions with the interim Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani focused on recent positive developments in Syria’s international relations and the importance of prioritizing domestic affairs in the coming period via a genuinely inclusive and credible political transition in which all Syrians have a stake and can have confidence. The meetings with him and all other Syrian officials were marked by a constructive and cooperative tone, with a shared interest in strengthening engagement with the United Nations across multiple sectors. Particular attention was given to the next steps in the transition and to coordinating efforts with the newly established National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons. More broadly, discussions focused on ways to strengthen collaboration between the interim authorities and the Office of the Special Envoy in support of those initiatives. In discussions with the interim Ministers of Interior and Justice, the Special Envoy also noted a clear willingness to undertake comprehensive institutional reforms aimed at modernization and development. As the Special Envoy discussed in Damascus, an important next step in the political transition is the establishment of a new People’s Assembly as the transitional legislative authority. In that regard, we welcome the recent presidential decree that, in line with the constitutional declaration, announced the appointment of a Supreme We very much look forward to continued engagement with and support to the interim authorities and the Supreme Committee. We also look forward to engaging with Syrians from across diverse sectors of society to hear their respective views on those developments and their broader aspirations for the political process. Regarding the north-east, the 10 March agreement continues to present a historical opportunity to solve one of the key outstanding issues in the conflict and restore Syria’s sovereignty and unity, a priority which the Special Envoy discussed with interim Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani. We have been deepening engagement in Damascus and the north-east in support of the efforts to move forward in implementing the agreement, and welcome the engagement of all relevant parties with us. We take note of the meetings that have taken place on implementation, including a meeting of delegations held in early June in Damascus. We welcome progress on education, with an agreement for students to register for exams in the north-east under the auspices of the interim Ministry of Education. We also welcome recent detainee exchanges, as well as the cooperation that recently enabled a number of Syrian families from Al-Hol camp to return to north-west Syria. We must stress that urgent work is still needed on rehabilitation, to address the dire humanitarian conditions and fragile security situation in the camp, and for Member States and relevant authorities to significantly step up efforts on repatriations. Sufficient attention should also be paid to the proper reintegration of Syrian camp residents. We stress the importance of negotiations moving forward in earnest with bold steps and an active spirit of compromise from both sides to implement the 10 March agreement. This is a priority for stability in Syria and the region, for the restoration of Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, and for the success of the overall political transition. The Special Envoy also engaged with a broad spectrum of Syrians, including women and civil society activists. Syrian women indicated that they continue to seek more substantial representation in leadership positions and that they look forward to a consequential role, as candidates and delegates, in the upcoming legislative body’s process. Furthermore, Syrian women continue to stress the importance of justice and accountability, inclusivity, due process and protection of individual rights of all Syrians. Syrian civil society representatives also continue to be active on all fronts, working for a new Syria founded on the principles of inclusivity, openness and transparent participatory processes. We welcome their engagement in consolidating civil peace, and we encourage the interim authorities to cultivate broad dialogue with a wide range of civil society organizations to promote social cohesion, counter hate speech and foster reconciliation among communities and across regions. Indeed, the protection and safety of all components of Syrian society and the prevention of incitement of communal tensions are absolute cornerstones for stability. During the reporting period, sporadic violent incidents continued in Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs. The interim authorities have taken steps to ease tensions, including through the recent issuance of a fatwa by the Fatwa Council prohibiting revenge killings and extrajudicial retaliation, urging citizens to resolve disputes through official legal channels and criminalizing acts of retribution. Recent decisions to reinstate judges who were removed from office by the former regime are also a welcome step towards building trust between the judiciary and the people. Further key steps will be needed towards the reinforcement of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, so that it is equipped and enabled to address past, present and future violations and install a culture of accountability. We encourage an inclusive and participatory approach to issues of accountability and security, namely with the victims, survivors and communities impacted by violations. There are security challenges on several other axes. This month we saw some sporadic and limited acts of violence on the periphery of Sweida, at a border post with Iraq, on contact lines in Deir ez-Zor and in rural Homs. Meanwhile, the south- west saw a serious incident of Israeli artillery fire and air strikes on military sites and weapons depots across southern Syria, in response to a rare incident of small rockets fired out of Syria into the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan, claimed by two groups unaffiliated with the interim authorities. The interim authorities denied any involvement in the rocket fire. Last week, there were Israeli incursions, arrests and drone strikes in Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside. These attacks are unacceptable and must cease. Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected, along with the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. Diplomacy is possible and must be prioritized. Ongoing activity by Da’esh remains notable, including attacks on Syrian Democratic Forces positions, and a United States drone strike on an Da’esh figure in north-west Syria. Meanwhile, as the Special Envoy has reminded the Council on many occasions, concrete action to address the core issue of foreign fighters is also needed, with many continuing to express concern about their inclusion in the Syrian army, even as we also recognize that this is a challenging issue. We also take note of the statements made by the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs regarding recent missions to Syria by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and welcome the meaningful cooperation under way. My dear sister Ms. Msuya, of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, will update the Council on the continued precarious humanitarian situation across the country. We note that, despite the fragile security and socioeconomic situation, almost 600,000 Syrians are estimated to have crossed back into Syria, overwhelmingly from neighbouring countries, in the past six months. This positive trend is equally observed in the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). An estimated 1.34 million IDPs have returned to their areas of origin during the same period. Whether these returns are sustainable will depend on many factors, including on the availability of housing, public services and infrastructure, and the revitalization of the economy. On this note, it was heartening to see last week the permanent closure of the Rukban camp, and one hopes that this will be the fate of all displacement camps in the country and in neighbouring States. Such moves hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country. But a lot more needs to be done for the private sector to tap into this potential, including the addressing of other remaining sanctions, the establishment of an adequate regulatory and financial framework, and the furthering of an enabling security and political environment that can effectively attract investment and international business. We welcome Syria re-engaging with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Indeed, the latter paid its first visit to Syria since 2009 earlier this month and emphasized that the country will need substantial international support for its efforts to rehabilitate the economy, meet urgent humanitarian needs and rebuild essential institutions and infrastructure. The Special Envoy and I will shortly return to Syria to continue direct engagement with the interim authorities and a broad cross-section of Syrian society. We will continue to support the interim authorities and the Syrian people towards a new and better chapter in Syria’s history, and a fully inclusive transition in line with the principles of resolution 2254 (2015) — one that restores Syria’s sovereignty and unity and meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.

I thank Ms. Rochdi for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Msuya. Ms. Msuya: As my colleague Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi just set out, the people of the Syrian Arab Republic continue to navigate a dizzying mixture of challenges and opportunities as they pursue a better future. Today I want to offer another reminder of what is at stake and highlight four main points for the Security Council’s attention. First, we must keep a strong focus on the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, which remains one of the largest in the world. While the reduction in conflict and growing engagement with international partners are opening new prospects for investing in Syria’s future, we must not forget that three quarters of the population still need humanitarian relief right now. Security remains volatile in parts of the country, including the coast, the south and the north-east, where attacks continue to affect civilians and humanitarian operations. More than 7 million people remain displaced, including many newly uprooted by recent violence. More than 1.1 million internally displaced people, along with more than half a million refugees, have returned in the past six months. But many of them will still rely on humanitarian aid, including early recovery support, as they work to rebuild their lives. Unexploded ordnance remains a deadly threat, having killed at least 414 people and injured almost 600 more since December 2024. A third of these victims are children. This threat is also a key concern for displaced people, who want to return My second point is that the United Nations and its partners continue to do what we can to provide critical assistance and make the most efficient use of the limited resources we have. We are now in the last stages of transitioning to a more efficient and unified humanitarian coordination model, one that harnesses the efforts of organizations working across the country under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator in Damascus. These efforts were also supported through a joint mission between the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Director of Operations and Advocacy and the World Health Organization’s Director of Health Emergencies Programme in late May. This revised structure is now largely in place. The coordination mechanisms in Gaziantep, Türkiye, and Amman, which have been so critical to our ability to provide assistance throughout Syria over the years, will be phased out by the end of the month. Through this transition, we have reached almost 2.5 million people each month with critical assistance, including food, water and healthcare, despite shrinking funding. This includes, for example, almost 2 million people reached each month with health interventions. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has supported more than 2.7 million courses of treatment and more than 430,000 medical procedures. The Syria Humanitarian Fund is supporting health, water and sanitation services for 850,000 people at risk of cholera in Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia. The Fund has launched a $60 million joint allocation with the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund to assist displaced populations, host communities and returnees. UNICEF, WHO and other partners are providing mobile health and nutrition services in underserved areas. In May, more than 170,000 young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women were screened for malnutrition, with a particular focus on the coastal areas. Thousands of explosive items have been discarded in clearance operations, improving people’s safety and access for humanitarian actors. We continue to make use of the most cost-efficient routes available. That includes the route from Türkiye, through which the United Nations has transported more than 1,200 trucks of aid this year, more than six times as many as the same period last year. In May, assistance transported along this route benefited more than 1.2 million people across much of Syria. The World Food Programme is sourcing more supplies locally, driven by changes in the exchange rate. Meanwhile, our teams are exploring how the recent announcements by the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the European Union and others to ease sanctions can help us to further streamline transactions and procurement and expand access to items such as advanced medical equipment. However — and this is my third point — we need more funding to keep this work going, if not to expand it. Nearly halfway through the year, our humanitarian appeal has received only $260 million, just 14 per cent of the requirements for this period. At a time when non-governmental organizations have new opportunities to expand their activities across Syria, many are instead forced to scale back. This continues to translate into reductions in critical activities. Across Syria, 280 health facilities, or 16 per cent of the total have suspended or reduced capacity owing to funding cuts, affecting all 14 governorates. In northern Syria, 240 health facilities risk closing Other sectors face equally stark challenges. This year, we have already narrowed our focus to target 8 million of the most vulnerable people in Syria, less than half of the total number in need. In the light of the global funding context, we will continue to adjust our operations in line with the humanitarian reset, laid out by the Emergency Relief Coordinator in March. But that will, ultimately, mean doing less with less. My final point is that we must translate this moment into concrete support for Syria’s reconstruction and development. For our part, as humanitarians, we will continue to see through the shift to more efficient ways of working, with simplified structures, growing partnerships with local actors and a sharpened focus on the most critical life-saving needs, in order to help to ensure the most vulnerable are not passed by. But the people of Syria want to move beyond dependence on aid and to rebuild their own livelihoods. As more families return home, demand for healthcare, education, water and electricity will only grow. As Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi has stated, recent moves to ease sanctions open new opportunities for investment in restoring critical services. Recent announcements of planned investments, and the growing engagement by international financial institutions, are encouraging. The United Nations has also proposed areas for possible development activities in support of the transition. But those opportunities need to be matched with concrete initiatives to rebuild Syria and restore basic services. We cannot assume that adequate funding will just resume. With diplomatic and economic ties being re-established, international partners re-evaluating their footprints and postures in Syria, political processes coming into focus and a continued reduction in conflict, we have a window of opportunity right now that may not last. We need to act decisively to help that transition to deliver the better future the people of Syria desperately want.

I thank Ms. Msuya for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Khoulani.

My name is Amneh Khoulani, a human rights defender, survivor of detention and the Executive Director of Adalaty. Six years ago, I sat in this very Council, facing representatives of the Al-Assad regime, the same regime that arrested my brothers Majd, Mouhamad and Abdulsattar and executed them in detention centres, as it did with hundreds of thousands of Syria’s men and women. At that time, I pleaded with the international community to deliver justice to the detainees and their families (see S/PV.8593). I gave voice to a people being slaughtered in plain sight. Today I return with a different feeling, one only a Syrian would know — a blend of grief and joy, of pain and hope — a feeling that I sensed when I first returned to Damascus after its liberation. I found myself in between mourning those whom we lost and finding solace in the thought that their sacrifices were not in vain, just like millions of Syrians. For the first time, I am able to speak as a human rights defender without fear of arrest, torture or being killed in Syria, a new Syria to which we return in order to serve our people, this time from within; opening offices for civil society institutions, without being branded traitors, as was the case for decades. For decades, Syrian women have faced legal, economic and social injustice. Violations increased during the war, including detention, torture, killing and sexual violence. Yet despite such profound challenges, Syrian women were at the forefront of the fight for justice. We documented violations, provided aid and tried to lay the foundations for peace. And Syrian women should also be central to the transitional phase and part and parcel of Syria’s future. Since liberation, women have begun to claim their role in rebuilding Syria. Their presence today in senior Government positions marks important progress. However, it is not enough. A significant gap remains between reality and aspiration. We call for a level of participation that reflects women’s sacrifices and their role in decision-making, locally and nationally. A few months ago, I started a tour by travelling to Syrian cities with a diverse group of women. We went to Dara’a, Homs, Salamiyah, Suwayda and the monastery of Mar Musa, in addition to other places. The objective was to connect with different communities in Syria and discuss our vision for our beloved country. We encountered a nation that is wary, and communities that are navigating a process of social and psychological recovery, at a delicate moment at which feelings of hope and fear, and of determination and caution, are fluctuating. Most of the people are optimistic, despite pain and challenges. They feel that there are better days coming, but some are wary of what lies ahead and the current security tension. That is a legitimate concern that calls for transparency and respect. We also observed a wide range of views on the transitional period, which is a healthy sign. Despite persistent sectarian tensions — some of the harshest legacies of the former regime — Syrians demonstrate a genuine determination to move beyond a painful past, with a profound desire for peace and stability. Today the new Syrian Government shoulders a huge responsibility to address that legacy by ensuring that all Syrians, from every background, can participate in shaping the future. We believe that Syria must be built by its people, men and women alike, on the foundations of democracy, citizenship, equality and respect for human rights, without discrimination. Participation should be the principal guide at every stage, from national dialogue, through the political process, until the establishment of justice and accountability measures. Transitional justice in Syria is not a political luxury. Rather, it is a national and moral need and imperative for achieving civil peace. Accelerating the effective launch of the justice process is the only true way to guarantee genuine and sustainable peace. There can be no peace without justice, and no justice without peace. Recently, two national bodies have been established: the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for the Missing. In meetings in Damascus with both bodies, which I attended alongside activists, female survivors and victims’ families, participants strongly emphasized the need for those bodies to remain independent. There was also broad consensus on the need for consultation with communities across all Syrian cities. There must be transparency for victims’ families and survivors, and their vision must lie at the heart of the transitional justice process. Participants also emphasized the importance of cooperation among those national bodies and institutions and international mechanisms, including the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Syria is currently undergoing a comprehensive reconstruction phase, as it rebuilds not only its infrastructure but also rebuilds itself in a societal and psychological sense. The lifting of sanctions does not mean that international support is no longer needed. On the contrary, the previous regime left the State in ruins and deprived of functioning institutions. Syria needs responsible international support that respects its independence. During my recent visit to Syria, jubilation swept through the streets following news of the lifting of sanctions, despite an awareness that it will take time — months or longer — for the effects to materialize. That is why the international community, with the support of the Council, can act now to expedite swift recovery efforts through technical and financial support for the clearance of mines and other remnants of war, which kill dozens of civilians, and the clearance of the rubble and for improving essential services such as health, education, water, electricity, transportation and others. We are not seeking ready-made solutions. Instead, we are calling for the transfer of genuine expertise to assist Syria’s emerging institutions in managing this transitional phase effectively. Building robust institutions will alone guarantee stability and the return of Syrian refugees. To those countries that stood by the Syrian people for 14 years, welcomed refugees and contributed to the lifting of the sanctions, I extend my sincere gratitude. I thank them for standing on the right side of history. To those who aligned themselves with the other side, including some present in this Chamber, I say that it is not too late to join us now and to support the people, who refuse to give in to defeat. Accordingly, I urge the Council to take the following steps. First, encourage and support the Syrian Government so that it ensures the full, equal, safe and meaningful participation of women of all backgrounds in national and local decision-making, with a minimum of 30 per cent representation. Secondly, give encouragement and support to victims’ families and survivors, in particular women, in all transitional justice efforts, be they formal or informal, while recognizing them as rights holders and part and parcel of peace and stabilization process. Thirdly, encourage and support the Syrian Government in taking effective measures to trace all missing persons and return their remains without discrimination, including through technical cooperation with the relevant international organizations so that expertise is shared and effective mechanisms are established. Fourthly, welcome the lifting of the unilateral and multilateral sanctions previously imposed on the Al-Assad regime and call for a review of measures taken by the Council pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) that could impede the urgently needed economic recovery in Syria. Despite its scars, Syria stands free and independent today. We are willing and able to shape our own future. What we need today is not just support, but a genuine partnership that acknowledges our sacrifices and respects the existing Syrian-led political process. As we confront such complex challenges in this transitional phase, we cling to hope and strive for a homeland that embraces everyone. We appeal to the world to stand with us, not only for the sake of Syria but also in affirmation of the fundamental values that bring us together. Long live a free Syria and its proud people.

I thank Ms. Khoulani for her briefing.

I thank my colleague Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi, whom it is nice to see, and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. I would also like to thank Ms. Amneh Khoulani for her long-time bravery and her compelling remarks today. I thank her for supporting human rights for all Syrians, especially the most vulnerable. I would also like to welcome the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. The United States has started a new era in its relationship with Syria. Following President Trump’s historic meeting with President Al-Sharaa, the United States is working towards ceasing United States sanctions on Syria. On 23 May, Secretary of State Rubio waived sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act for 180 days, and the United States Department of the Treasury issued General License 25, authorizing a broad range of transactions and investments in Syria. We have already begun to see the impact of those actions, most notably in the signing of a $7 billion deal under which United States, Qatari and Turkish firms are to invest in Syria’s power sector. As Ambassador Tom Barrack stated, after raising the United States flag in Damascus, this is just the beginning of the positive impact that the easing of sanctions will have on reconstruction and investment in Syria. The cessation of United States sanctions against Syria will give the country a chance to succeed. We encourage other Member States to provide similar sanctions relief and to support recovery and reconstruction. As we have said, the Syrian Government’s actions thus far on critical files, such as the search for missing persons and the destruction of chemical weapons, have given us hope for what Syria can achieve and have set expectations for what must come next. First, the Government should begin discussions with Israel on a non-aggression agreement and subsequently begin border-dispute resolution discussions. Secondly, the Government should, in short order, present its plan and intentions with regard to the foreign fighters on Syrian soil. Thirdly, the Government should take necessary steps to ban and deport Palestinian terror groups. Fourthly, the Government must work with the United States in its continuing D-ISIS, or counter-ISIS operations. Fifthly, the Government must provide a plan for how it will assume responsibility for ISIS detention centres in north-east Syria. Countries of origin must also play their part to expeditiously repatriate their nationals from north-east Syria, including those detained in Syrian Democratic Forces facilities and those in Al-Hol and Al-Roj displaced persons camps. Lastly, we are encouraged by Syria’s cooperation with both the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency and we look forward to further progress. As to the United Nations forthcoming strategic assessment for its presence in Syria, the Council should carefully consider the Secretary-General’s report and work together to determine the appropriate United Nations role and presence in Syria going forward.

We are grateful to Najat Rochdi, Joyce Msuya and Amneh Khoulani for their briefings. Since the most recent Council meeting on this issue (see S/PV.9920), all the challenges facing the country remain relevant. There has been a significant increase in the risks of resumption of large-scale terrorist activity, including by groups affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We expect Damascus to undertake robust counter-terrorism measures and to resolve the situation with foreign terrorist fighters. Following the reform of the Syrian security forces, it is essential that the country’s army and police be staffed exclusively by professional personnel with untainted track records. Not only will that ensure the trust of the local population, but it will also shape Syria’s image abroad. In that connection, we welcome the release, in recent months, of hundreds of former army officers owing to the absence of legal grounds for their ongoing detention. Such actions by Damascus reflect its genuine commitment to intra-Syrian reconciliation and its willingness to place the national interests of Syria above the interests of certain groups. We believe that leveraging the capability of hundreds of thousands of military personnel who took the oath of allegiance before December 2024 will benefit the Syrian State and help avoid the tragic mistakes made when many officers from the Saddam Hussein era were sidelined and then went on to raise the black flag of ISIL. The matter of Israeli violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains on the agenda. We call on Israel to immediately revert back to stringent compliance with the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic, to withdraw from the buffer zone and the adjacent territories, as well as to cease its shelling of Syria. Israeli actions can hardly be justified with claims about eliminating security threats emanating from Syria, given that Damascus has been continuously broadcasting its intention to peacefully coexist with all of its neighbours, without exception. We believe that all emerging issues can and must be resolved through dialogue. There are also persistent tensions in the south of the country. We note the implementation of the provisional agreements between Damascus and the Druze on ensuring security by local law enforcement agencies. Despite sporadic outbreaks of violence in the northeast, the agreement between the central authorities and the Trans-Euphrates continues to be implemented. The situation is exceedingly volatile in Latakia and Tartus provinces, where the levels of instability and security threats remain high. That is clearly illustrated by the recent tragic events, which resulted in massive casualties among civilians, primarily among Alawites. Thousands of families were forced to flee their homes. Some of them have found temporary refuge in Lebanon, others at the Russian Hmeimim airbase, and still others in other regions of Syria. We look forward to the results of the national investigation into the events that took place on the west coast. Holding all perpetrators accountable, irrespective of their status and affiliation, will demonstrate that the new Syrian authorities are truly committed to the rule of law. Overall, hundreds of thousands of Syrians in coastal areas remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance. We once again call on the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to pay heightened attention to the situation in Latakia and Tartus. We believe that the new United Nations humanitarian architecture in The data shared today clearly shows that the humanitarian situation in Syria remains exceedingly dire and is far from being resolved. It is exacerbated by both the consequences of the protracted armed conflict and the profound socioeconomic crisis, which is being fuelled by the imposition of unilateral sanctions. We view the most recent messages about the partial lifting or easing of those illegitimate restrictive measures by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom as a step in the right direction. At the same time, we wish to stress that such decisions should have been taken much earlier so that the Syrian people could exercise their legitimate right to development. Extreme weather conditions have dealt yet another blow to the residents of the country. According to United Nations estimates, Syria is experiencing its worst drought in decades. Up to 75 per cent of the wheat harvest is under threat. Amid the woeful underfunding of humanitarian operations, it will be extremely difficult for the international community to offset such losses if there is no wheat harvest. Moreover, the onset of summer heat increases the risk of spread of infectious diseases. United Nations agencies must be ready to tackle these challenges and to take preventive and anticipatory measures for risk reduction. As far as we understand, OCHA has the relevant capabilities and it can leverage various financial instruments to that end, including the Central Emergency Response Fund. There is another persistent serious threat, namely mine contamination, which poses a direct threat to the lives of civilians, impedes humanitarian operations and complicates the safe return of forcibly displaced persons. We note with alarm that since December, 400 people — one third of whom are children — have been victimized by unexploded ordnance. The Syrian Government and specialized international agencies need to step up efforts to clear mines and raise awareness. We highly value the efforts of United Nations humanitarian agencies in Syria to save people’s lives. We believe that, in the current circumstances, food assistance programmes and efforts to restore the health and water supply sectors are particularly important. At the same time, we are very concerned about the underfunding of the United Nations humanitarian appeal: only about 13 per cent of the $2 billion requested for the period from January to June 2025 has been received. The lack of resources is already generating grave consequences. It is now critical to consolidate the efforts of donors and the international community. We cannot allow millions of Syrians to be left without support at such a critical juncture. We advocate a political process with the involvement of all ethnic and religious groups and minorities in Syria, with support from the United Nations and in accordance with the key provisions of resolution 2254 (2015). We view this process as a linchpin for the restoration of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. As next steps along this path, we look forward to the formation of an interim parliament and to the creation of a draft constitution by the Constitutional Committee. We reaffirm our support for the efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Geir Pedersen. We expect that further international support for intra-Syrian dialogue will be inclusive in nature. Syria and its resilient people have traversed their path, surmounting onerous trials with dignity. Despite it all, they have preserved their faith in a better future and have remained committed to constructive engagement with the international community. They deserve our concerted support. For our part, we intend to establish fruitful cooperation with Syria and to provide its people and Government with the necessary support to overcome the difficulties of the transitional period. Allow me to make three points on this topic. First, on the security situation, there can be no meaningful recovery in Syria without genuine safety and protection for all Syrians. The protection of civilians is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. While we acknowledge the Syrian transitional Government’s efforts to create a legitimate and united national army, more must be done to secure the protection of all civilians. Reports of abductions of women, sporadic killings of civilians and systematic attacks on communities need to be swiftly and credibly addressed. We are also worried about the continued threat posed by terrorism in Syria. We strongly condemn attacks by Da’esh in Aleppo and other parts of Syria, and we welcome the transitional Government’s emphasis on combating terrorism. Secondly, on the humanitarian and economic situation, Denmark is pleased with the decision of the European Union (EU) to lift sanctions on Syria. That decision is a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to supporting Syria’s transition and economic recovery. The newly concluded electricity and power agreements constitute another step towards progress. It is now essential that those initial gains be continuously built upon and ultimately lead to a broader, long-term positive economic impact and development for the Syrian people. Funding shortfalls are critical, and millions of Syrians continue to face food and water insecurity. Water scarcity in particular remains a serious concern. Denmark has worked, and will continue to work, to ensure access to water, including through its project with the International Committee of the Red Cross on securing the continued supply of drinking water to more than 12 million people in urban centres across Syria. Thirdly, on the political process, we welcome yesterday’s announcement by the transitional Government on the establishment of the Supreme Committee for Elections to the People’s Assembly. We reiterate the call for an inclusive, transparent and open process and for the full, equal and meaningful participation and representation of women. We take note of the establishment of the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for the Missing. Those are important first steps towards a comprehensive and inclusive transitional justice process that represents all the victims. It is important to focus on the atrocities committed by all actors across Syria. We reiterate our strong support for Special Envoy Pedersen, his team and all United Nations staff working to assist Syria at this critical stage. We reiterate the need for a political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015) — a transition that must be led and owned by the Syrian people. On the regional level, the situation looks even more challenging now than it did just one week ago. We welcome the transitional Government’s regional engagement, including constructive dialogue between Syria and its neighbours. We reiterate our support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and call on all parties to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. We also welcome both Syria’s and Israel’s calls for an extension of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force later this month. Denmark stands ready to work with Syria, with the Council and with the broader international community in support of a peaceful and inclusive transition.

Let me begin by thanking Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings, and we also thank Ms. Khoulani for her important contribution. Earlier this month, a Pakistani delegation visited Damascus and met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Asaad Al-Shaibani. The visit reaffirmed our commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and explored ways to further strengthen our bilateral partnership. We also acknowledge the positive role played by regional and international actors — including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, the European Union (EU) and the United States — in supporting Syria’s stabilization. We commend the Special Envoy’s continued efforts to foster inclusive dialogue. Allow me to briefly highlight five key points here. First, we welcome recent steps on the political front, especially the formation of the Supreme Committee for Elections to the People’s Assembly. As the Special Envoy also noted, that could be an important step towards broader constitutional and institutional progress. Secondly, the humanitarian situation remains dire. More than 16 million people require assistance, with more than 14 million facing food insecurity. We must ensure that humanitarian aid remains timely, predictable and unimpeded. Thirdly, the recent easing of sanctions, including through the United States of America’s General Licence 25 and the steps taken by the EU and the United Kingdom, is a welcome development. Those measures can help unlock humanitarian access and support early recovery and self-reliance. Fourthly, the threat of terrorism persists. Groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and foreign terrorist fighters continue to operate within Syria, posing threats to both national and regional security. We must not, therefore, lose focus on that front. Fifthly, we are deeply concerned about the regional impact of Israeli military actions in Syria. Those attacks violate Syria’s sovereignty and breach international law, including resolutions 350 (1974) and 497 (1981). They risk undermining the fragile gains made on the ground. We call for full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and we reiterate the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty without exception. Syria stands at a delicate yet hopeful juncture. Our collective responsibility is to sustain that momentum by continuing humanitarian assistance, promoting inclusive governance and upholding Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Pakistan will remain a steadfast partner of the Syrian people. In conclusion, I would like to add that, in the regional context, we are gravely concerned by the continued Israeli military aggression in Gaza, the strikes in Syria and the latest ongoing aggression against Iran, which carry serious implications for regional peace and security. Those actions have increased instability and exacerbated human suffering, and they risk sparking a descent into wider conflict. Such conduct is in clear violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. That needs to end. The Security Council must fulfil its responsibility in that regard by calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for urgent steps to be taken to de-escalate the situation across the region and to promote dialogue and diplomacy in order to ensure long-term peace and stability in the Middle East. Despite growing international engagement and the recent easing of sanctions, high hopes for progress in Syria are being dampened by the shadow of regional escalation, continued violence on the ground and few meaningful advances on transitional justice. Let me make the following points in that regard. First, all hostilities violating Syria’s territorial sovereignty must stop. We are concerned by Israel’s intensifying incursions into Syria following the alleged missile attack earlier this month. The circumstances leading up to that incident should be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. In any case, as many Council members, including our country, have consistently emphasized, Israel’s security concerns must be addressed in a manner that respects international law. Secondly, countering Da’esh and violent extremism must remain an urgent priority. Indeed, it is seriously concerning that those terrorists resumed their attacks early this month, precisely at a time when Damascus is restructuring its national security institutions and counter-terrorism forces are undergoing realignment. We note the decision to incorporate some foreign insurgents with track records of violent extremism into Syria’s national security framework. While preventing Da’esh from reconstituting itself must be the priority, we must be vigilant of the fact that that decision also carries risk. We therefore urge Damascus to implement robust vetting and rehabilitation measures in order to prevent extremist ideologies from taking root within the nascent institutions meant to provide security for all Syrians. Thirdly, we welcome Syria’s continued cooperation with international bodies to ensure compliance with global norms on non-proliferation. We are particularly encouraged by its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the recent visit by the IAEA Director General and his team to Damascus and their unhindered access to sites relevant to clarifying Syria’s past nuclear activities. We also commend the advancement in cooperation between Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), including progress made in securing a permanent OPCW presence in Damascus. We hope that that opportunity will lead to the complete destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. Fourthly, Syria’s pursuit of transitional justice must be a key part of any inclusive political process. Ongoing extrajudicial killings and punishments, albeit sporadic, once again underscore that lasting social cohesion and stability is only attainable when there is a shared understanding of how transitional justice will be realized. We call, therefore, on Damascus to articulate and announce its plan for achieving transitional justice in a transparent and inclusive manner. Engagement with the United Nations will be critical in that regard, as its technical expertise is essential to ensuring the political process is consistent with the principles of resolution 2254 (2015). Fifthly, we call for the international community to pay greater attention to the continuing humanitarian crisis of the country. Setting Syria back on a path to stability now is at risk of stalling, in the face of worsening humanitarian conditions, including the most severe drought in decades, compounded by an acute funding crisis. We hope the international community will step up its support, building on international efforts already under way, including our contribution of $35 million this year. In conclusion, the grave, ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is not only overshadowing the positive developments in Syria but also exacerbating the serious challenges that Damascus currently faces in its incipient phase of nation-building. That new and unfortunate development must not erode the historic momentum Syria has gained after 14 years of devastation and agony. De-escalation is essential, and we reiterate our call for maximum restraint by all parties concerned. The recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East is a testament to how fragile the region’s stability is. Against that background, a unified, stable and fully representative Syria — whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected by all — should remain our common goal. Greece, as a member of the Council and in line with its consistent stance towards Syria since the fall of the Al-Assad regime, supports Syria’s inclusive political transition as the essential goal for so many Syrians in their country and abroad. As challenges remain, I wish to highlight the four following points today. First, a fully inclusive political transition, in line with the principles of resolution 2254 (2015), is necessary for the security and stability of the country. Without the political integration of all the components of Syrian society, recovery efforts will remain fragmented and vulnerable. All Syrians deserve to live without fear. That includes Christians, Alawites, Kurdish Syrians and Druze, without ever forgetting women. All Syrians deserve to see themselves represented in their Government and institutions. In that vein, we expect the national dialogue to continue, and the future constitution to echo the voices of the whole of Syrian society and diaspora. In the north-east, the March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces — a critical ally in the international fight against terrorism — and Damascus must be carefully implemented by both sides, and we encourage them to address pending issues in a spirit of compromise. As we urge the transitional Government to ensure that armed groups in the north of Syria do not disrupt the process, we also urge regional actors to refrain from violence or inciting escalation. Secondly, Syria’s successful integration in the international community is contingent on its respect for international law. For Syria to find its footing and recover, it is imperative that it fully adhere to global rules. That involves founding its relations with other States on the basis of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which constitutes customary international law. Syria has to demonstrate that it respects the sovereign rights of neighbouring countries, both on land and at sea. Thirdly, Greece will assist in alleviating the humanitarian situation in the country and will contribute effectively to its physical and economic reconstruction. With that in mind, Greece pledged its tangible support for Syria’s recovery at the ninth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region in March and is ready to contribute more with any means necessary. In that spirit, the European Union was swift in lifting sanctions as part of a gradual, conditional and reversible approach, to support Syria. We shall continue, ever-vigilant, to closely monitor developments on the basis of concrete progress in accountability, inclusivity of the political process and continuous respect for international law. Against that backdrop, we welcome the progress made with international financial institutions and the interest of international development actors and non-governmental organizations, following major announcements of the lifting of sanctions. More good news is expected to come, as long as the Syrian Authorities stay on course. Fourthly, ensuring accountability and promoting transitional justice is critical, against the backdrop of a precarious security situation. We welcome last week’s informal General Assembly briefing by Ms. Karla Quintana, Head of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons, confirming that the transitional authorities are cooperating with the Institution. Equally, we welcome the establishment of two Syrian National Commissions — for Missing Persons and for Transitional Justice — which we expect to function with transparency, impartiality and inclusiveness. The abhorrent violence in March, targeting mostly Alawites but also Christians, and Last but not least, the security landscape poses several challenges. A sustainable solution to the issue of foreign fighters and the integration of all armed groups into national security forces is a prerequisite for internal security and political stability. Ensuring that all terrorist and violent extremist elements are excluded, as part of a wider and robust security sector reform effort, is critical. In conclusion, let me stress that Syria has a historic opportunity to achieve progress and prosperity, by becoming a factor of stability for the wider region and an example of successful reconstruction after years of devastation and tyranny. Historically tied with the Syrian people, Greece wholeheartedly supports that vision, in which the United Nations system is of paramount importance.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Algeria, as well as Guyana (A3+). At the outset, the A3+ extends its sincere appreciation to Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. We have also taken careful note of the contribution of Ms. Amneh Khoulani. The Syrian people’s resilience, courage and aspiration for peace and dignity deserve our full and steadfast support. Despite a delicate semblance of stability, the situation in Syria remains deeply fragile. Stability in Syria is not only essential for its own people but it is also a cornerstone for the security and prosperity of the entire region. The future of Syria is intrinsically tied to the ability of its people to coexist peacefully, as they have done for centuries, and to overcome the grievances of history through dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect. A durable peace in Syria can be achieved only through a genuine, inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in accordance with the principles outlined in resolution 2254 (2015). The A3+ expresses its full support for the United Nations and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General in their critical efforts to facilitate that process. We believe that transitional justice, national reconciliation, the clarification of the fate of missing persons and inclusive dialogue are fundamental to healing the wounds of the Syrian people and building the foundations for a just political transition in Syria. The resilience of the Syrian people is undeniable. However, the unwavering support of the international community remains indispensable at this critical juncture. We emphasize that cooperation must prevail over confrontation and collaboration over antagonism. The path forward in Syria is in unity, not division. The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. The A3+ strongly condemns the repeated Israeli incursions into Syrian territory and the violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force has reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out several strikes in the area of limitation on the Bravo side and has observed the continued construction of counter-mobility obstacles by the IDF along We are gravely concerned about United Nations reports of a resurgence in Da’esh activity in parts of Syria. The A3+ has consistently warned against the threat of terrorism and reiterates the urgent need for coordinated international action to decisively and comprehensively combat terrorist groups and address the root causes of radicalization. The return of instability would be a tragedy for the Syrian people, who have already endured too much. The humanitarian situation in Syria is catastrophic. Funding shortfalls, with only 14 per cent of the required resources received for the humanitarian response plan, combined with the worst drought-like conditions in decades, are deepening the crisis. As the return of refugees is expected to increase over the summer, food and water insecurity will worsen. Today, as stated by the United Nations, only 2.5 million out of the 8 million people targeted are being reached monthly by humanitarian efforts. That is simply unsustainable and unacceptable. We call on donors to honour their pledges. That is not only a matter of principle but also one of shared responsibility and international solidarity. The global community must urgently mobilize the necessary resources to support humanitarian relief and ensure a smooth transition from emergency assistance to sustainable development in Syria. That is the only viable path towards Syria’s economic recovery and long-term stability. While the lifting of unilateral sanctions is a welcome step, it is insufficient. All efforts must converge to support Syria’s reintegration into the global economy, paving the way for inclusive growth and prosperity. We also underscore the importance of early recovery programming, especially in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and electricity, which are vital for restoring basic services and enabling the return of millions of displaced persons. In conclusion, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria renew their steadfast support for the people of Syria, whose quest for peace, dignity and recovery must be met with equal determination by the international community. The time has come to support Syria not only with words but also with meaningful actions for peace, justice and a future of hope for the entire region.

I would like to express my gratitude to Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings, and I listened carefully to the remarks made by the civil society representative, Ms. Khoulani. I welcome the presence of the representatives of Syria, Iran, Yemen and Türkiye at today’s meeting. Syria stands at a critical juncture in achieving political stability and economic recovery. Despite the Syrian parties’ recent active efforts, including those to promote internal reconciliation, the domestic situation remains complex and fragile. We hope that the Syrian interim authorities will take effective measures to deliver on their commitments, address in earnest the concerns of the international community and restore peace and stability with its help so that the Syrian people can promptly lead stable and dignified lives. A broad and inclusive political transition should be promoted. The convening of the National Dialogue Conference is a significant step to that end. The Syrian interim authorities should respond actively to calls from all sectors of society by continuing to promote extensive dialogue and consultation, strengthening internal unity and achieving genuine inclusiveness. In that regard, the principles set out in resolution 2254 (2015) can provide important guidance and should continue to be upheld. Efforts should be made to resolutely combat all terrorist forces in Syria. The multiple recent violent terrorist incidents in Syria compound the risk of the expansion and resurgence of terrorist organizations and extremist forces, which could take advantage of the situation. That is a cause for concern. It is reported that some foreign terrorist fighters in Syria have recently been integrated into the Syrian Government forces. China is gravely concerned about such developments. The Syrian interim authorities should earnestly fulfil their counter-terrorism obligations and immediately take all necessary measures to combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party. The counter-terrorism-related resolutions of the Security Council must be implemented, and the relevant sanctions regime fully upheld. All efforts should be made to effectively alleviate the humanitarian situation. For some time now, despite multiple challenges, including funding shortfalls, the United Nations humanitarian agencies have been working diligently to conduct humanitarian operations in various parts of Syria. The international community, especially traditional donors, should step up its assistance and make greater efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. We take note of the agreement reached between the Syrian interim authorities with relevant parties on evacuation from the Al-Hol refugee camp and support the participation of United Nations agencies in the relevant work. The evacuation of refugees should be conducted on a voluntary basis and in a safe and orderly manner. China is deeply concerned about Israel’s attacks on Iran, which escalated military conflicts. We condemn Israel’s violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate or even spill over, Syria and other countries in the Middle East will inevitably bear the brunt. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, calling on both sides to resolve differences through dialogue. China stands ready to maintain communication with relevant parties and to play a constructive role in promoting an early de-escalation of the situation. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): At the outset, I wish to thank Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi, Assistant Secretary-General Msuya and Ms. Khoulani for their informative and insightful briefings. I will make three points today. First, this remains a pivotal, but fragile, moment for Syria as it seeks a more stable and prosperous future. A peaceful and secure Syria is in the interests of all Syrians and the wider region. There is a clear risk — as some highlighted this morning  — that the current crisis in the Middle East will escalate, with serious implications for security across the region and beyond, including in Syria. We encourage all actors to avoid any activity that could further destabilize the region at this precarious moment. Secondly, June marks six months since the fall of the brutal Al-Assad regime. We welcome the positive steps that the Syrian Government has taken so far in advancing a peaceful political transition. That includes diverse Cabinet appointments and internal agreements, including with the Syrian Democratic Forces. We look forward to progress on implementation. We welcome the formation, in recent days, of the Finally, we note progress on accountability efforts in Syria that pursue justice for victims and survivors, and initiatives for seeking truth for the families of those still awaiting answers. We encourage the newly formed National Commission for Transitional Justice and National Commission for the Missing to work in close partnership with Syrian civil society and the United Nations. As Ms. Khoulani emphasized so eloquently, it is key that their efforts be transparent and shaped by the experiences of survivors and families. We encourage the Syrian Government to continue to engage positively with United Nations mechanisms, including the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, as well as to use their expertise effectively as they lay out the next steps for their own accountability agenda in Syria.

We thank Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya and Ms. Amneh Khoulani, Executive Director of Adalaty Centre, for their valuable briefings. We also acknowledge the presence in the Chamber of the delegations of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Yemen and Türkiye. Panama continues to closely observe the development of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, recognizing that the country is going through a crucial moment. Our country has repeatedly expressed the importance that the Syrian political process be inclusive, led by the Syrians themselves, in a manner that respects the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of the country, guided by the spirit of resolution 2254 (2015), with the support of the United Nations. We welcome recent steps towards a political transition, such as the recent issuance of the decree allowing the formation of the Supreme Committee for Elections to the People’s Assembly. That important step should consider inclusiveness, transparency and, in particular, measures that enable the effective participation and representation of women in this process, as a basis for adequate political consensus. In that regard, we welcome the recent meeting of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board in Damascus as a step forward for the inclusion of historically marginalized voices. We also highlight the formation of the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for the Missing. Panama underlines the enhanced coordination in the field through the establishment of the humanitarian country team in Damascus. This reflects a concrete step towards a more coherent and efficient response that strengthens institutional presence and further facilitates dialogue with local actors. However, we are particularly concerned about the humanitarian situation. The extreme weather conditions currently affecting Syria have resulted in the worst drought in decades, with historic levels of water scarcity and precipitation well below normal. Those conditions are severely affecting agricultural production, putting food security at risk and increasing pressure on basic water resources, threatening a resurgence of cholera outbreaks with the arrival of warmer weather. The fight against terrorism must remain a priority, which requires prevention strategies that include institutional strengthening and community reintegration, thereby preventing extremist positions from permeating Syrian politics. We reiterate the importance of ensuring that the investigations of violent events be independent, transparent and accessible to the international community. Today more than ever, Syria has a real opportunity to become a beacon of hope in a region that is deeply affected by conflict and instability. Panama urges the Syrian interim authorities to redouble their efforts to bring about the comprehensive recovery of their country, not only for the benefit of their people but also with a view to contributing to international peace and security.

At the outset, I thank Ms. Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings on the situation in Syria. I particularly wish to thank Ms. Amneh Khoulani, Executive Director of the Adalaty Centre, for her testimony, which reminds us of the importance of transitional justice. The Middle East has entered a new phase of tensions. We must act to prevent that situation from affecting the transition in Syria and to provide that country with the opportunity to become a hub of regional stability. To that end, the international community has a responsibility to assist Syria in three areas. First, there is a need to address the humanitarian emergency and support Syria’s political and economic reintegration into the international community. For the reasons mentioned by the briefers, humanitarian activity and the rehabilitation of basic services are priorities. The international community needs to deliver assistance to that end and to contribute financing. France is doing its part and will continue to provide financial support. That effort is crucial for the population and for the country’s recovery. For its part, in February 2025, the European Union decided to end economic sanctions, which weighed upon Syria. That has been in force since May. Beyond that, Syria must be able to rebuild a functioning economy capable of providing Syrians with decent living conditions, with the support of all countries. We support the mobilization of bilateral, regional and international donors and that of the private sector. Syria’s reintegration into the international community hinges on regional normalization. We encourage the Syrian authorities to continue their efforts to re-establish constructive relations with their neighbours, as they did with Lebanon. We call on Israel to play its part and to seize the historic opportunity presented by a Syria willing to pacify its relations with its neighbours. Israel must end its military activities on Syrian soil and withdraw from the separation zone established by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Syria and Israel must take one another’s security concerns into account. Civil peace hinges on national reconciliation and accountability. The transitional justice process must be rigorous and inclusive. Ms. Khoulani was clear on that point. As first steps in that direction, we welcome the establishment by Damascus of the National Commission for the Missing and the National Commission for Transitional Justice in Syria. In parallel, we encourage the Syrian authorities to continue to cooperate with the relevant United Nations bodies in order to benefit from their expertise and resources. The third area of action involves helping the Syrian authorities to make the political transition a collective success. A stable Syria requires the eradication of the terrorist threat. The Syrian authorities must continue that fight and resolve the issue of foreign terrorist fighters. The international community also expects the chemical weapons programme to be dismantled and calls for Damascus to continue cooperating with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The Syrian authorities have committed to building inclusive political institutions that meet the aspirations of all Syrians. To ensure the success of that transition, France stands ready to support the strengthening of the Syrian State’s administrative capacities. We also welcome the efforts of the United Nations, in particular those of Mr. Geir Pedersen, who is providing valuable support to guide the Syrian authorities towards building that inclusive Syria, in the spirit of the principles of resolution 2254 (2015). We eagerly await the outcomes of the strategic review so that United Nations support for the new Syria can be organized optimally. The Council must be ready to draw operational conclusions from that review. The challenge for our Council is to provide the best possible support, within a deteriorating regional environment, for the efforts made by Syrians to overcome the past and build a Syria that is united in its diversity, at peace with its neighbours and free of tyranny and terrorism. France is committed to that end.

I would like to thank Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi, Assistant Secretary-General Msuya and Ms. Khoulani for their briefings. In our recent statements in this Chamber, we emphasized the historic opportunity that Syria has for change. In that regard, we welcome the interim authorities’ initial commitments, including stronger engagement with the international community and the United Nations. Those, together with last month’s announcements by several States and by the European Union on the lifting of certain sanctions, present a real opportunity that should not be missed. Today I wish to make the following points. First, since last December, the international community, regional organizations and the United Nations have expressed readiness to assist and support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country. Economic recovery and development will be a crucial part of those efforts. Alongside continued international support, we encourage Secondly, economic recovery, however, is not sufficient; it must be complemented by an inclusive and peaceful political transition, in line with the principles of resolution 2254 (2015). A vital next step will be the prompt formation of a provisional legislative council, which should begin work on an urgent legislative reform agenda. That will be an essential part of rebuilding Syria’s political consensus, restoring State institutions and establishing the necessary frameworks for the economy, justice, democratic governance and political participation. Equally essential will be the work of the committee that is drafting a new constitution. It is crucial that the future constitutional process fully reflect the rich and diverse fabric of Syrian society by including all its social and political components. While we recognize that those are monumental tasks, they are necessary. To address growing polarization, counter hate speech and foster mutual understanding among the different communities, media freedom is indispensable. Likewise, genuine transitional justice must be established, so that perpetrators of atrocities can be held accountable. The United Nations can offer invaluable assistance in that regard. Thirdly, we continue to call for an immediate end to violence and the protection of civilians throughout Syria. Reports of ongoing sectarian violence and renewed regrouping, and attacks by Da’esh, are deeply alarming as they threaten not only Syria’s stability but also that of the wider region. We reiterate our urgent appeal to the interim authorities to ensure that Syria does not become a breeding ground or safe haven for terrorism, and to others to fully respect the independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. Lastly, the immense humanitarian needs in Syria persist, and everything possible needs to be done so that humanitarian aid reaches all Syrians in need, through unimpeded and safe access. We call on new and existing donors to step up to address our humanitarian responsibility. Slovenia has committed additional funding in support of work by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Syria. We also note that protection risks continue, with unexploded remnants of war causing physical harm, including to children, on a daily basis in some eastern governorates. Those conditions continue to undermine the possibility of Syrians safely returning to their homes. That will need to be addressed as soon as possible. I began my statement by mentioning a historic opportunity for Syria to finally build a country that every Syrian will be able to call home, in which they will be free, in which their children will be able to go to school and in which bombs and death will be only a distant memory. Slovenia remains committed to that goal.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings. I would also like to welcome Ms. Amneh Khoulani, from civil society, and thank her for her valuable briefing. Despite the turbulent and tense situation in the region and the grave challenges it poses, the Syrian Government continues to work to turn the page of pain and suffering. It is moving steadily and confidently to establish a new phase characterized by peace, stability, openness and building partnerships. That is exemplified by Syria’s active political mobilization with various countries around the world, in addition to its constructive diplomacy and positive Those efforts have been accompanied by serious and concrete steps in the area of cooperation with the United Nations, its agencies and mechanisms and the international financial institutions, as well as with such other relevant international organizations as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, as I explained in the statement I made on behalf of my Government to the Council on 5 June (see S/PV.9930). That is also the case in the fields of combating terrorism and addressing drug trafficking and smuggling, which should reassure partners and resolve outstanding issues in order to turn that page. In parallel with its efforts at the international level, the Syrian Government continues its endeavours domestically. After issuing two presidential decrees to form the National Commission for Missing Persons and the National Commission for Transitional Justice, and in line with the ongoing practical efforts in those two important regards, the President of the Republic issued decree No. 66 a few days ago. The decree aims to activate the legislative authority and complete State institutions by forming the Supreme Committee for Elections to the People’s Assembly, as stipulated in the constitutional declaration naming its Chair and members. That Committee will oversee the formation of subsidiary electoral bodies to elect two thirds of the 150 members of the People’s Assembly. Meanwhile, the President of the Republic will appoint the remaining members to ensure fair representation and competence. Practical steps have also been taken to promote civil peace and the rule of law, while preventing individual acts or reprisals that could destabilize communities. The Ministry of the Interior has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring of its agencies and institutions to ensure the security of Syrians. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence continues to work on establishing a national army. Calls have been made by official and civilian bodies, emphasizing the need to criminalize and prohibit extrajudicial killings. Such bodies support the transitional justice process and national reconciliation in a manner that guarantees accountability for perpetrators of grave violations, justice and reparations for victims. All that comes within the framework of an institutional approach that enables society to heal its wounds, overcome its pain and move towards a new Syria — one built by the efforts of all its people, for all its people, women and men, including young people  — a single unifying Syria, proud of its heritage and its religious, ethnic, cultural and civilizational diversity. In a related context, efforts continue to address the accumulated humanitarian and development challenges in order to improve living conditions and provide services to Syrians. The Rukban camp was dismantled, ending the suffering of its remaining residents, facilitating their return to their cities and villages. Practical steps were initiated to address the unsustainable conditions in the Al-Hol and other camps in north-eastern Syria. Nearly one and a half million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes. Building on those achievements requires tangible international support for our efforts to provide services, rehabilitate infrastructure, remove debris, ensure reconstruction and ensure economic recovery and monetary stability, in addition to clearing mines and explosive remnants of war that have claimed the lives of hundreds of people since December 2024. We look forward to increased humanitarian and development funding and the fulfilment of relevant international pledges. Funding for the humanitarian response plan has so far not exceeded 13 per cent, and we are already in the middle of a year in which Syria is facing a significant fall Today Syria does not seek emergency relief aid, despite its importance. Instead, Syria looks forward to real partnerships based on common interests and a win-win mindset. That would ensure a swift qualitative leap forward for Syrians in the fields of water, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare and other essential areas. Some of the investment deals and projects signed recently show that the road to investment in Syria is now open and safe. The Syrian Government is close to finalizing a new investment bill that will soon be enacted. It is high time for Syrians to rejoice, to build a homeland and to create a future worthy of them and their sacrifices. We must support them and their hope for a better tomorrow. I would be remiss if I did not thank the Trump Administration, as well as the United Kingdom, France, the European Union member States and Japan, for lifting the sanctions that Syrians have suffered from for too long. We also express our gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly countries that have led high-level diplomatic efforts to achieve that aim  — foremost of which are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and the Member States within the Council and outside it that have called time and again for the lifting of those sanctions. We look forward to the completion of this process and to the full and final lifting of all sanctions and measures that continue to have a negative impact on various aspects of our joint cooperation. Israel’s repeated attacks on Syria remain a stumbling block to our efforts towards stability. Israel continues its destructive policies and acts of aggression through its efforts to strengthen its illegal presence on Syrian territories. It is building military facilities and launching numerous attacks, the latest of which was an incursion on Thursday, at dawn, into the town of Bayt Jinn, in the Damascus countryside. This attack led to the death of a young man and the abduction of others. On the same day, the Council heard a briefing by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs on Israeli practices and the systematic violations committed by the occupation forces against the people of the areas that they have infiltrated, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, Security Council resolutions and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic. My country, Syria, emphasizes the need to put a stop to Israel’s aggressive practices and to put an end to its occupation of the Syrian Golan and the territories into which the occupation forces have penetrated since 8 December. Syria supports the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and stresses the need to empower the Force to fulfil its mandate. In conclusion, Syrians, with their human capital, scientific and professional competencies and history of civilization, are capable of rebuilding their homeland and creating the desired future. Over the past years, we have witnessed the successes and excellence of Syrians in the countries that have hosted them. Today Syria is writing a new success story, and it looks to the United Nations and its Member States to be part of that success story in a manner consistent with preserving Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. We are counting on a United Nations role that is effective and commensurate with the current stage — a role that supports our national efforts as a partner in the path of reconstruction and development to achieve welfare and prosperity.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I wish to make the following points on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, while also drawing the Council’s attention to Israel’s relentless terrorist and barbaric attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. First, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. For over a decade, the Syrian people have endured immense suffering under foreign occupation, terrorism and coercive measures. The time has come for the people of Syria to determine the future of their country free from external interference and to live in dignity and stability, without conditions or constraints. Secondly, today more than 16 million Syrians require urgent humanitarian assistance. The suffering of civilians must never be politicized. We welcome recent steps towards economic recovery, including the partial suspension of sanctions and the renewed engagement of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. However, we stress that the easing of sanctions must translate into real improvements on the ground. All unilateral sanctions, which are unjust, illegal and run contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, must be fully and unconditionally lifted. Thirdly, practical engagement and cooperation between the United Nations and the interim authorities are essential to advancing an inclusive political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015). In that regard, we welcome the Special Envoy’s 19 May visit to Syria and his constructive engagement with Syrian officials. Fourthly, the 10 March agreement between the interim Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces presents an opportunity for reconciliation and unity. We welcome follow-up meetings, prisoner exchanges, progress on education and returns from Al-Hol camp. Nonetheless, the security situation remains fragile. We express deep concern about renewed violence in Deir ez-Zor, Homs and As- Suwayda, including attacks by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. We note with encouragement the increasing return of refugees and internally displaced persons and the closure of Rukban camp. Fifthly, a just and lasting peace in Syria requires sustained political engagement, inclusive dialogue and economic recovery. Syria has every right — and duty — as a sovereign State to restore peace and authority throughout its territory. Yet that right is impeded by the ongoing foreign military presence and occupation, particularly in the northeast and south. Sixthly, we strongly condemn the continuing Israeli military aggression in the occupied Golan, which is in violation of the United Nations Charter and all relevant Security Council resolutions and gravely threatens regional peace and stability. We urge the Council not to remain silent in the face of repeated Israeli aggressions, which represent a systematic violation of international law. These acts are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern of unlawful use of force, now extending to continued attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In that regard, I wish to make a few remarks regarding the ongoing barbaric attacks and acts of aggression against my country by the terrorist and child-killing regime of Israel. First, as we have already conveyed in the Chamber and in our formal communications to you, Madam President, and to the Secretary-General, Israel has committed a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in grave violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. These ongoing terrorist attacks deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure and Secondly, in response, Iran exercised its inherent right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter to protect its people and vital national interests. Our response was defensive, limited and proportionate, targeting only military and economic assets directly involved in the aggression. Iran does not seek escalation, but we will not hesitate to defend our people, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thirdly, let me be clear: Iran did not start this war. Israel launched this aggression, emboldened by a green light from the United States. Israel’s claim of pre-emptive self-defence is legally unfounded and, if normalized, would seriously undermine one of the most fundamental principles of the Charter: the prohibition of the use of force. As such, the false narrative of an existential threat, as invoked by Israel and supported by some Western countries, is nothing more than a cover-up to justify aggression and obscure Israeli atrocities. Once again, we are witnessing a dangerous reversal of roles, in which the aggressor is shielded and the victim is blamed. The same shameful pattern that the world has seen unfold in Gaza is now being repeated. That double standard is a moral and legal failure, one that will tarnish the records of those Western countries  — especially the United States, the United Kingdom and France — that have attempted to justify that flagrant aggression. Their cynical positions are undermining the credibility of the Council and the very principles of the United Nations Charter. Fourthly, the only country capable of stopping Israel’s crimes and aggression is the United States. If the United States acts in good faith and is truly committed to diplomacy — as it claims to be — it can compel Israel to stop its aggression. But instead, and regrettably, we heard President Trump last night, echoing Netanyahu in calling for the evacuation of Tehran. Such a threat is not only irresponsible, but it also reflects a deliberate policy of supporting the targeting of civilians. Fifthly, let us speak frankly: to date, neither the Security Council nor any other relevant United Nations body has demonstrated the capacity to stop the aggressor. The painful experiences of Israeli crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen have shown that the Security Council has consistently failed in its most basic duty, namely that of determining the aggressor and upholding international peace and security. We once again urge the Council to fulfil its mandate by condemning Israel’s unlawful use of force, explicitly rejecting its claim of pre-emptive self-defence as contrary to the Charter and international law and stopping that rogue regime from committing further aggression. Finally, Iran will continue to act in accordance with international law. But unless the Security Council acts decisively, or unless the international community steps in to stop the aggressor, Iran will continue to defend its sovereignty and its people with determination. That is not only our right but also our responsibility. Our response is aimed solely at deterring further aggression and preventing the repetition of such crimes.

I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen.

At the outset, I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States. We thank Ms. Najat Rochdi, Ms. Joyce Msuya and Ms. Amneh Khoulani for their briefings. In that context, the Arab Group reaffirms its unwavering position in support of a comprehensive political process that is led and owned by the Syrians themselves and that reflects the aspirations of all components of the Syrian people, including women and youth, in a manner that preserves the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. Moreover, the Group categorically rejects all attempts to undermine the unity of the Syrian State or to interfere in its internal affairs. The Group welcomes the steps taken at the national level by the Syrian Government to strengthen social cohesion, consolidate domestic peace and promote national unity as a firm basis for building a secure and sustainable future for Syria and its people. Syria is facing grave humanitarian challenges that require an urgent and coordinated international response that supports the Syrian Government’s efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure, revive the national economy and implement early recovery programmes. The Arab Group believes that meeting the basic needs of Syrian citizens and creating conditions conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their areas of origin in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner constitute the top priority at this stage. In that context, the Group expresses its deep appreciation to the countries that have hosted Syrian refugees over the past years and have borne an exceptional humanitarian burden. However, the Group stresses that that burden cannot be borne by those countries alone, hence the need for the international community to provide adequate financial and technical support, thereby enabling those countries to continue to perform that humanitarian role until the dignified and safe return of refugees to their homeland can be facilitated. The Group also emphasizes that the reconstruction of Syria requires the removal of all obstacles that hinder recovery efforts, as such obstacles have significantly slowed the recovery of the national economy and hampered the development process. In that context, the Group calls for the full and immediate lifting of the economic measures imposed on Syria, as doing so is vitally important to enabling it to effectively engage in sustainable development and stabilization efforts. In that regard, the Group appreciates the announcement by the President of the United States of America regarding the lifting of all economic sanctions imposed on Syria, as a positive step that will open new horizons for economic and humanitarian cooperation and support the efforts of the Syrian Government in the national recovery process. The Group also expresses its appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its efforts to support the Syrian position in that regard, and it welcomes the European Union’s decision to lift economic sanctions, including restrictions on such vital sectors as energy, transport and financial services, and to unfreeze the assets of the Central Bank of Syria and key financial institutions, as an essential step towards reintegrating Syria into the global economy and promoting reconstruction efforts. The Group appreciates the support provided by the State of Qatar for Syria’s recovery, including the provision of electricity and the improvement of economic conditions. The Group also welcomes the payment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar of Syria’s arrears to the World Bank Group, totalling approximately The Group expresses its deep concern about the continuing violence inside Syria, which aims to undermine the Syrian Government’s efforts to extend security and stability throughout its territory. The Group also condemns in the strongest terms the repeated attacks committed by the Israeli occupation forces in Syrian territory. Those attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international law and pose a direct threat to regional stability. The Group calls on the Security Council to uphold its responsibilities and compel Israel to stop its violations, respect Syria’s sovereignty and fully withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories, including the occupied Syrian Arab Golan. In the context of regional security, we underscore the need to promote international regional cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms, including efforts to counter Da’esh and all other terrorist groups. We fully support the efforts of the Syrian Government to secure its borders, to combat arms and drug smuggling and to strengthen national security. All of the above contribute to stability in Syria and in the broader region. In conclusion, our Group reiterates its full solidarity with the Syrian Arab Republic in its efforts to restore security and stability and to build a unified State, with sovereignty over the entire Syrian territory, a State that meets the aspirations of all its citizens and strengthens Syria’s standing in the Arab and regional arena. We call on the international community to support the Syrian people in their efforts towards peace, recovery and sustainable development, free from any interference that might hinder that progress.

I now give the floor to the representative of Türkiye.

At the outset, I would like to extend our appreciation to Ms. Rochdi, Ms. Msuya and Ms. Amneh Khoulani for their comprehensive and informative briefings. After a 14-year-long conflict, Syria now is presented with the critical opportunity to stabilize the country. That opportunity, if utilized effectively, with concrete and consistent international support, including from the Council, can contribute not only to Syria’s security but to the wider region as well. Supporting the Syrian Administration in its capacity-building efforts is essential in that regard. Following the successful National Dialogue Conference, the announcement of a constitutional declaration and establishment of a technocratic transitional Government, the recent presidential decree on the formation of the Supreme Committee for Elections to the People’s Assembly marks another important step forward. In parallel, the establishment of the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons further demonstrates the Syrian Administration’s commitment to establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for peace, stability and inclusivity. We believe that the only viable path forward for Syria lies in preserving the country’s unity under a central Government that guarantees the constitutional rights and freedoms of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion or sect. In the immediate term, revitalizing the Syrian economy is of the utmost importance, alongside safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and national unity. Recent sanctions relief has opened the door for reconstruction efforts. It is essential that the international community support visible and rapid improvements on the ground to prevent destabilizing interventions by third parties. Developments in Syria have been a source of optimism for our region and for the entire world. However, we must remain vigilant. Progress in Syria should not be derailed by negative developments in the broader region. In particular, it is imperative to ensure that the ongoing cycle of violence following Israel’s illegal attacks on Iran does not engulf Syria. The destabilizing policies and continued aggression by Israel must be curbed. Israel’s repeated air strikes and incursions not only undermine Syria’s internal stability but also erode its capacity to combat Da’esh, posing a threat to collective regional and international security. We reiterate our call on Israel to immediately cease its actions that violate Syria’s sovereignty and threaten regional peace and stability. The full implementation of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces Agreement must be ensured by the Council. It is also vital that terrorist groups be prevented from exploiting the fragile security environment. Türkiye stands ready to cooperate with the Syrian Administration to secure detention centres and camps in the north-east and to prevent any resurgence of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, particularly from Da’esh. The future of Syria must not be held hostage by terrorist entities. Groups such as Da’esh and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units have no place in Syria’s future. We remain deeply concerned that the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has not adhered to the 10 March agreement with Damascus. Its continued actions further complicate the security landscape in Syria. It is essential that all terrorist structures be dismantled. All armed elements must disarm and surrender their capabilities to the Syrian State, and all terrorist actors must be expelled from Syrian territory. Ceasing all forms of support to the so-called SDF remains the most effective means of facilitating the integration of north-east of Syria into the legitimate central Administration. Türkiye remains resolutely committed to supporting the Syrian people as they navigate this critical phase. We stand ready to work in close coordination with the Syrian Administration, regional stakeholders and the international community, including the Council, to ensure that this window of opportunity for peace, stability and reconciliation is not lost.