Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations on behalf of the A3+ during the Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East (Syria)

Madam President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country Guyana.

At the outset, the A3+ would like to thank Deputy Special Envoy, Najat Rochdi, and OCHA Director, Edem Wosornu, for their valuable briefings. We also took note of Ms. Sawsan Abou Zainedin’s intervention.

Madam President,

The escalating tensions in the Middle East, is further complicating the path to peace and stability in Syria.

Recent developments, including renewed violations of Syria’s sovereignty, undermine Syria's fragile stability and exacerbate the suffering of its people.

Such actions not only violate international law but also risk reigniting a devastating cycle of violence and terrorism.

The A3+ is deeply alarmed by these developments and underscores the urgent need for all actors in the region to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.

Syria must be spared from further military escalation.

The resurgence of terrorism within Syria serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of a comprehensive political solution to the crisis — one that ensures Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering support for a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, as outlined in Resolution 2254.

In this regard, we emphasize the need to reinvigorate the Constitutional Committee and call on all stakeholders to engage constructively with the Special Envoy to break the current political deadlock.

We remain convinced that an inclusive dialogue among Syrians, supported by the international community, is the only viable path to a sustainable and just resolution to this protracted crisis.

The A3+ calls on all parties to demonstrate the political will necessary to restore peace and stability in Syria.

Madam President,

The dire humanitarian situation in Syria, exacerbated by the influx of refugees from Lebanon, has left an already estimated 16.7 million people in need, while limited funding resources further hinder efforts to address these challenges.

540,000 people have fled to Syria - a high proportion of them female-headed households, placing an additional strain on both the Syrian government and the humanitarian community, which are already struggling to meet their basic needs.

The A3+ urges all parties to ensure the security of displaced persons, protect and respect their human rights and create an environment that allows for the free movement of humanitarian organizations, to reach the most vulnerable populations.

We express our deep concerns over the insufficient funding for both the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and the Flash Appeal, and call on donors to honor their commitments in this regard.

The A3+ welcomes the decision of the Syrian government to extend, for an additional three months, the authorization granted to the UN and humanitarian agencies to use the "Bab al-Salam" and "Al-Ra’i" crossings.

In this regard, we underscore the critical importance of all mechanisms, including the Cross-Border and Cross-Line mechanisms, for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Syria.

The A3+ has consistently advocated for the urgent need for Early Recovery Projects to ensure an effective humanitarian response.

Restoring the health system must be a priority, especially in light of the suspected cholera cases in Al-Hasaka, which highlight the urgent need for action.

The A3+ calls on all Member States to engage positively with the UN's efforts to implement an Early Recovery Strategy, including by lifting unilateral sanctions.

The future of Syrians depends on creating an environment conducive to their safe, voluntary, and dignified return to their homes.

Madam President,

The Middle East stands at a critical crossroads, and we cannot afford to witness the outbreak of another conflict, particularly in Syria, which has already been ravaged by 13 years of crisis.

It is imperative that we all work together to prevent the recurrence of violence in Syria and to find a lasting solution to the crisis that continues to shake the country.

Thank you.