A3+ Statement delivered by H.E. Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria at the Security Council Briefing on the political and humanitarian situations in Syria

Madam President,

I am honored to speak on behalf of the A3+, namely Guyana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Algeria. Firstly, we extend our gratitude to Mr. Geir Pederson and Mr. Martin Griffiths for their insightful briefings and assure them of our continued support.

We are deeply concerned that even after more than 13 years since the start of the Syrian crisis, the Syrian people are still suffering, and millions remain forcibly displaced.

We are equally worried about the rising violence and, deteriorating humanitarian conditions, and the security situation in Syria.

I would like to emphasize that the A3+ strongly maintains  that the resolution to the Syrian crisis  is solely achievable through political means. We therefore advocate for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, emphasizing the unity, independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Syria, including the Golan Heights.

We express our support for Mr. Pederson's efforts and engagements, including those related to building confidence through a step-by-step approach. We also call upon all actors to assist him facilitate discussions and negotiations among Syrians, in line with resolution 2254.

The A3+ eagerly anticipates the 9th meeting of the Constitutional Committee and stresses the importance of this Committee making progress on the political track. At this crucial juncture, we emphasize the need for an inclusive process with the full participation of women and civil society.

We hope that all obstacles will be removed, pending issues will be resolved and that Syria can soon move forward with its peacebuilding and national development.

We express deep concern about escalating violence in particular in Northern Syria and call for a nationwide ceasefire.

Coordination among regional countries to combat terrorism is essential, especially in light of the recent rise in attacks by ISIS. We call for a decisive action towards the fight against terrorism to restore state authority, security, and stability in Syria.

Moreover, the risk of a regional spillover from the situation in Gaza threatens Syria's stability. We call for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and restraint to avoid further escalation.

Madam President,

More than a year after the earthquake that struck Syria and Türkiye, the humanitarian situation remains dire, worsened by an economic crisis due to the conflict and unilateral sanctions. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs Overview, an estimated 16.7 million people, 75% of whom are women and children, require humanitarian assistance.

We call on the urgent need to address the funding shortfall of the humanitarian response plan to ensure the successful delivery of humanitarian aid. We urge donors to fulfill their pledges for relief, livelihood, early recovery, and development projects to address the high humanitarian needs.

Respecting the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence is crucial for humanitarian action.

We welcome the Syrian Government's decision to extend authorization for the UN and its specialized agencies to operate through the Bab Al-Hawa, Bab Al Salam, and Al-Rai border crossings, providing more predictability for their operations.

Cross-border aid is vital, and we emphasize the need to explore all humanitarian paths, including cross border and crossline mechanisms, for full, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access.

We call on the international community to support Syrian and UN efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure and restore basic services, facilitating the voluntary, dignified, and safe return of refugees and IDPs, and urge all parties to fulfill their legal obligations in this regard.

We welcome the agreement between Syria and UNHCR on return, announced during the 74th session of the Executive Committee of UNHCR.

Madam President,

While the world focuses on the situation in Gaza, let us not forget Syria. The situation is volatile, and we must move from managing the crisis to resolving it. Let's set aside political differences and work together for the benefit of Syria.

The Syrian people deserve to live in peace, prosperity and stability.

Thank you.