12.02.2025 Statement by Denmark at the Security Council Briefing on Syria

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Thank you, Mr. President,

I also thank Special Envoy Pedersen and ASG Msuya for their very useful updates today.

Mr. President.

Last month, we spoke of a new day dawning in Syria.

Of a future where all Syrians live in freedom and dignity.

Of a political transition, which must not fail. 

Today, we continue to believe in that possibility. The road may not be smooth, but it can be achieved if this Council and the international community stand together in our guidance and support to the new Syria.

I will focus on four points today:

First, the political transition must be credible, inclusive and transparent.

While we welcome the positive announcements by the interim government, they must be transformed into action. 

We call on the interim government to set a clear course for the political transition in the spirit of the key principles in Security Council resolution 2254.

All segments of Syrian society must be represented. In particular, the full, equal and meaningful participation of Syrian women must be ensured in the transition process. They have been at the backbone of social and political movements, calling for democracy, equality and inclusivity. And their contributions are critical for the transitional justice and sustainable peace.

As the Special Envoy said, Syrian women want more than protection, they want participation. And they deserve it.

The UN, through Special Envoy Pedersen, is well placed to assist the transitional Syrian leadership in charting this complex path forward. Denmark fully supports the Special Envoy in this.

Second, Mr President, as we have heard today, Syria remains an urgent humanitarian and protection crisis.

As mentioned by ASG Msuya, millions of Syrians remain in acute need on the backdrop of a continuing economic crisis and a persistent gap in humanitarian funding. Food insecurity is widespread, and the need for investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction of shelters and infrastructure is further amplified by the return of refugees and IDPs. Mines along with unexploded ordnances remain an immense challenge for humanitarian operations and economic recovery.

The essential services upon which the population depends must also be revitalized. Access to water and electricity are not just acute needs. They serve as enablers for long term stability and livelihoods.

The European Union expects to ease sanctions on key sectors to enable recovery and reconstruction in Syria. While we aim to move fast to encourage positive developments, we should also be ready to reverse the course if the situation worsens.

Fortunately, humanitarian access has improved but challenges remain. It is essential that progress is sustained to ensure the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all Syrians, wherever they may be. We cannot tolerate any backsliding in principled humanitarian operations.

Third, Mr. President, for Syria to heal, accountability for the grave crimes of the Assad regime must be ensured.

The fate of the missing, detained, and disappeared must be established, and the demands of victims for a transitional justice process must be heard. Now is the time to expand and coordinate these efforts, including by considering what additional efforts will be needed.

We reaffirm our full support to the Commission of Inquiry, the Independent Institution on Missing Persons, and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

We welcome statements by the interim government in support of accountability, and urge them to continue to work with these units and stress the importance of also including civil society and victims.  The international community has a responsibility to support such efforts.

Finally, Mr. President, on the security situation, as we have heard this morning remains very complex.

As discussed in the Council on Monday, ISIL still has the ability to adapt, exploit instability, and spread its influence. ISIL’s potential resurgence poses a serious risk to Syria, the Middle East and the world.

Regarding the situation in Southwest Syria, Denmark reiterates its full support for UNDOF, which must be allowed to implement its mandate unhindered. While we recognise Israeli security concerns, we are alarmed by reports of a permanent Israeli presence, including on Mount Hermon, and the announcement that Israeli troops plan to remain in the Area of Separation. 

Denmark also remains concerned about the situation in North-eastern Syria and encourages the continuation of talks between the interim government and the Kurdish authorities. All parties should seek a peaceful outcome to their deliberations while respecting international law.

Mr. President,

As Syria begins this new chapter, the international community, including this Council, has a responsibility to act.

To meet this moment with both compassion and commitment.

We call on all actors to join us in this endeavour.

Thank you.

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