A3+ Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East (Syria)
Mr. President,
I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Guyana. We thank Mr. Pedersen and Mrs. Joyce Msuya for their valuable briefings.
Mr. President,
Month after month, the briefings on the situation in Syria indicate the dire nature of the situation in the country and the lack of progress in the political process.
The suffering endured by Syrians continues to escalate. There is but a faint glimmer of hope that conditions will improve, and that displaced Syrians will soon be able to return to their homes.
The A3+ reiterates its call for all parties to set aside their differences, prioritize the interests of the Syrian people, and engage in good faith with the Special Envoy, Mr. Pedersen, to bring an end to the crisis that has afflicted Syria for more than 13 years.
We believe that it is the inalienable right of Syrians to decide the future of their country, and that the international community should provide the requisite support in their pursuit of a better future.
The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process that would provide a lasting and sustained political solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with resolution 2254.
The A3+ renews its call for the respect of Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and condemns all violations thereof.
We urge all actors to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation. The situation in Syria is still fragile and may deteriorate at any moment given the current dynamics in the region.
The A3+ has followed with deep concern the fighting in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate that resulted in the loss of 25 civilian lives, injury to 28 persons and the temporary displacement of families. We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence.
It is in no one's interest, particularly not that of the Syrian people, for Syria to experience a resurgence of violence, especially at a time when the looming threat of a regional war is imminent and the real risk of terrorism reemerging. The A3+ reiterates that combating terrorism is a collective responsibility and calls for enhanced cooperation in this regard.
Mr. President,
The worsening humanitarian situation in Syria has been compounded by the unilateral sanctions imposed on the country.
At present, 70 percent of Syrians are in need with women and children being the most impacted. We note that while the scale of needs in Syria continues to increase, funding for the humanitarian response plan is at its lowest level (24%). Moreover, with 16.7 million people in need, aid reaches only 2.7 million people per month.
The A3+ urges donors to honor their commitments and fund the Humanitarian Response Plan, enabling the humanitarian community to improve the lives of the 12.9 million people who are food insecure.
Mr. President,
We welcome the decision of the Syrian government to extend the authorization for the use of Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra'ee border crossings and call for the utilization of all available means, including cross-border and cross-line mechanisms, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
While humanitarian action is crucial, Syrians cannot rely solely on international aid. The A3+ believes that all measures should be taken to allow the Syrian economy to recover, improve the livelihood of Syrians, and facilitate the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes.
We call for the protection of Syrian refugees everywhere and condemn the attack that cost the lives of 10 refugees in Lebanon on August 17th.
In conclusion, Mr. President, the status quo in Syria will only prolong the suffering of the Syrian people. If we do not contribute to ensure a political settlement of the crisis that has ravaged their country for 13 years, we risk failing the Syrian people.
For this reason, the A3+ calls upon all Syrians to engage without further delay in the efforts of the Special Envoy and make necessary compromises to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
Together, we should help the Syrians to build a better future for Syria and its people.
Thank you.
