17.01.2025 Statement by Denmark at the Security Council briefing on UNDOF and UNIFIL

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President.

And thank you to USG Lacroix and Major General Gauchat for your briefings.

The Middle East stands on the cusp of monumental change. These past months have witnessed the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, and the election of a new Lebanese president after more than 2 years of vacancy.

Wednesday’s ceasefire and hostage agreement also inspires hope for the people of Gaza and Israel.

These profound developments that can hopefully light a path towards a brighter future for Syria, Lebanon and the broader region.

In the wake of this sudden change the need for stability has never been more apparent.

For more than 50 years UNDOF has monitored the disengagement zone. For almost two decades UNIFIL has, under its current mandate, executed similar tasks around the “Blue Line” between Lebanon and Israel.

These missions have been integral to bringing safety and certainty to peoples on both sides of the borders. Day in, day out, these peacekeepers risk their lives in support of peace. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In executing these tasks, we underline the duty of all actors to ensure the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel and premises in line with international law.

Mr. President there are three points I would like to focus on in this regard:

First, UNDOF and UNIFIL contribute to the de-escalation of tensions in the region. They are, and they will be, integral to securing a continued de-escalation going forward. However, to do this, the right conditions need to be in place.

 This means that Peacekeepers must be granted unhindered freedom of movement and sufficient resources to be able to implement their mandates.

It also means that patrols, logistic convoys and resupply missions need to be able to move freely. Their positions must not be threatened, challenged or dismantled by use of brute force.

Politically, mission mandates must also be supported. Political rhetoric from any actors must not undermine the immunity and impartiality of peacekeepers.

It is reassuring that the Council remains united in support of both UNDOF and UNIFIL. This support will remain vital as we work to achieve durable peace in the region.

Second, Mr. President, on UNDOF. Denmark is proud to have contributed to UNTSO and by extension to UNDOF for years. We believe that a new Syria can only emerge if the new authorities are able to secure the country’s borders.

Denmark reiterates that Israel must withdraw from the area of separation. UNDOF must be allowed to implement its mandate without interference, in line with resolution 350.

We remain concerned about reports of permanent Israeli structures in UNDOF’s area of operation, IDF incursions further into Syrian territory, and rhetoric about moving Israeli settlers into occupied Syrian Golan. Such actions are prohibited under international law, including international humanitarian law.

Third, Mr. President, Denmark remains fully committed to UNIFIL, the full implementation of resolution 1701 and to making the ceasefire agreement permanent.

UNIFIL must have political and operational support to effectively implement its mandate alongside the LAF after the withdrawal of all other armed actors from Southern Lebanon. In time, we envisage the LAF taking over all tasks in Southern Lebanon, and Denmark is proud to contribute financially to LAF in support of this crucial mission.

Mr. President, in closing. To consolidate the positive change in the region we need to build on a stable and trustworthy foundation. UNDOF and UNIFIL remain critical pillars in this foundation. We remain fully committed to ensuring that these two missions can implement their mandates by patrolling freely, maintaining internationally recognized borders, and providing credible information about the situation on the ground.

Thank you.