Statement by His Excellency Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations on behalf of the A3+ to the Security Council, at the UNSC meeting on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria

Madam President,

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

At the outset, the A3+ would like to thank Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Fletcher for their valuable briefings.

We listened carefully to the representatives of the civil society.

Madam President,

Our meeting takes place in a unique context, Syria a nation exhausted by conflict could choose the long road to peace.

This situation brings immense hope for Syrians. However, it also causes significant concern, as the fragile calm of recent days risks being disrupted, plunging Syria into a renewed crisis that no one wishes to see.

The A3+ firmly believes that the time has come for a genuine Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process under the auspices of the United Nations for a new Syria that unites all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denomination.

All Syrians, including women and young people should be fully and meaningfully engaged in this political process. The involvement of civil society is also key to ensuring a successful transition in Syria towards the realization of the aspirations of the Syrian people.

In this regard, we fully support the efforts of the Special Envoy and urge the meaningful implementation of Resolution 2254, including the establishment of an inclusive transitional governing body with full executive powers.

We also stress the critical role of the United Nations at this juncture, underscoring that the Syrian people should be able to rely on the organization’s support and expertise as they navigate the path ahead towards building a strong and sustainable culture of good governance.

It is time for inclusivity, not division. It is time for dialogue, not arms.

The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. We firmly reject any attempt to divide Syria. To move forward from its history of violence, Syria should not be an arena for polarization or rivalries of external powers. The A3+ stresses that only the Syrian people will freely decide the future of Syria.

This fragile situation must not be exploited for the resurgence of terrorism. In this context, decisive and collaborative action is, therefore, required.

Furthermore, the A3+ reiterates that Syria’s territorial integrity must be respected by all. In this regard, we express our grave concern over the recent military incursions by the Israeli Defense Forces into Syrian territory, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.

We emphasize the critical role of UNDOF in maintaining peace and stability in the region. We also reject any unilateral actions undermining its mandate and its mission.

The A3+ reaffirms the UN resolutions related to the Golan Heights, underscoring that the Golan is a Syrian territory under occupation. We call for full respect of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including the status of the Area of Separation. We urge all parties to comply with their obligations in this regard.

Madam President,

The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, representing one of the most pressing challenges for the international community. Nearly 17 million people are now in need of assistance.

The latest developments have exacerbated this situation, with over 1 million people displaced in recent days.

The A3+ expresses grave concern over these developments and we call for broad mobilization to enable humanitarian actors to address the urgent needs of the population.

Continued fighting, particularly in the northeast, will only worsen the humanitarian situation. We urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including those related to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

We call for an immediate nationwide ceasefire to ensure freedom of movement for humanitarian actors. Unhindered humanitarian access must be guaranteed through all available mechanisms, including cross-border operations, to provide essential assistance to those in need.

The A3+ calls upon donors to mobilize adequate funding for the Humanitarian Response Plan in Syria. Increasing needs demand more resources; the Syrian people must not be abandoned.

We stress that the return of displaced Syrians to their homes must be voluntary, must be safe, and must be dignified. No one should be forced to return.

Conditions must be created in Syria through early recovery and reconstruction to facilitate this process.

Madam President,

The latest developments in Syria have shown that unresolved crises do not simply fade away—they reemerge.

If a comprehensive and inclusive solution is not found for the situation in Syria, the repercussions will be disastrous for the region.

For the A3+, it is the responsibility of the international community to stand with the Syrian people and help them build a brighter future for their country.

The international community should not repeat the mistakes made elsewhere in the region.

I thank you !