18.03.2026 Statement for briefing on Syria
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Thank you, Mr. President,
Ambassador Barrack, thank you for your presence here today, we are honoured to have you with us.
Let me also thank Deputy Special Envoy Cordone and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings.
And last but not least, Ms. Yusra Mardini, thank you for your powerful words here today, but most of all, thank you for your inspiration for other young people who endure war and trauma and who have to end up fleeing their country.
Mr. President
This past month, the international community’s attention and action has been focused on the Gulf and broader Middle East, as conflict and instability have swept across the region.
Regional instability is rarely confined within national borders. Syria has not been directly involved in this conflict. However, as we have heard today, it has not been spared from its consequences.
So let me state clearly that Denmark reaffirms our firm commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. We strongly condemn last week’s Hezbollah attacks on Syrian territory. And furthermore, we urge Israel to cease its incursions in Southern Syria, and to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
Mr. President,
As we heard from Assistant Secretary General Msuya. Over the past two weeks, more than onehundredthousands Syrian refugees along with Lebanese nationals have fled into Syria from Lebanon. This has placed immense strain on an already stretched and fragile Syria. It also adds to the risk that the situation in Suwaida destabilises further, thereby leading to new cycles of violence.
We commend the constructive dialogue and coordination between Syria and Lebanon and the efforts of the Syrian government to accommodate those fleeing Lebanon. Both parties should continue to pursue a diplomatic path towards stability along their shared border.
In the north east, another fragile transition is ongoing. We welcome the initial progress and stress the need to continue implementing the comprehensive agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
We urge both parties to continue to prioritize the peaceful integration of the North East in the political transition and to ensure the rights and protection of all civilians, including the Kurds.
We remain concerned about the reports of between 15,000-20,000 escaped detainees, with ties to Da’esh, from camps and prisons. We call on Syria to keep the pressure on Da’esh high and for the international partners to assist in order to counter any ISIL/Da’esh resurgence.
Mr. President,
This past week, the UN has marked the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Across this building we have heard strong calls for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all political and peace processes. Today, we echo those calls. For Syrian women to be included in all stages and levels of the political transition.
14 years of conflict has caused so much devastation across the country. As people begin to return home, property disputes are increasing. Women in particular face significant barriers in claiming ownership, facing discriminatory laws and entrenched social norms. Addressing such injustices must be a priority for the transitional government.
To assist the Syrian transitional government in the best way possible, a relocation of the Office of the Special Envoy to Damascus will be an important step. And we note that areas of specific cooperation are being discussed.
Mr. President,
Humanitarian needs in Syria remain immense. The Syrian transitional government’s efforts to receive returnees and provide shelter and other forms of support for internally displaced is commendable. However, due to ongoing insecurity, thousands of people remain displaced and many are likely to continue requiring humanitarian assistance as they rebuild their lives.
Focusing on healthcare as mentioned by Ms. Mardini, but also water, sanitation, and education is essential to strengthen resilience and dignity among affected communities. This response, however, is threatened by a lack of funding. It is of critical importance that humanitarian needs in Syria continue to be addressed by all involved.
Mr. President, in closing,
These are indeed historical times. Today we commemorate the 15-years anniversary of the Syrian uprising when the first protests broke out in Daaraa. As the last ambassador of Denmark residing in Damascus, I’m happy that Denmark has decided to reopen our embassy in Damascus later this year and to appoint an ambassador to Syria. This is a clear message of Danish engagement.
Denmark remains committed to supporting efforts towards a stable, secure, inclusive and peaceful Syria. To work with the UN and partners to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and their future.
I thank you.