19.11.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Syria

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Thank you, Mr. President,

And I also thank Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and OCHA Director Doughten for their briefings.

Mr. President,

The situation in Syria continues to evolve. That is clear on the ground where this month we welcome Syria's joining of the global coalition against ISIL or Daesh. But it is also clear in this chamber, where just last week we adopted resolution 2799, delisting President Al-shara and Interior Minister Khattab from the 1267-sanctions regime.

These developments mark significant milestones on Syria's continued path to stability and prosperity. 

With this in mind, let me make three points today.

First, 

Denmark reaffirms its strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Syria continues to face major security challenges, both from within and beyond its borders. 

Statements regarding a security accord with Israel, grounded in the framework of the 1974 agreement, are encouraging. Lasting peace with Syria's neighbors, and Israeli withdrawal, are imperative for Syria to regain full control of its territory. 

In the country's northeast, we take note of the ongoing talks between the transitional government and the SDF. We encourage both parties to stay at the table and work towards a deal that strengthens safety and security for all Syrians. 

ISIL or Daesh remains an extremely dangerous threat to peace and security in Syria. We are encouraged by the counter-ISIL-operations conducted during the last months in coordination with Syrian partners, we expect that sustained, decisive pressure on Daesh and other terrorist groups continue. 

Second, Mr. President,

Greater clarity is needed on the next step on Syria's political transition. 

Equally important is that these steps are taken in dialogue with Syrian civil society. We continue to underscore the need for an inclusive and transparent political process, one that is Syrian owned and Syrian led.

Key to this is the relaunching of the national dialogue, and we urge the transitional government to take concrete steps to this end. 

Last week in Damascus, the European Union, in coordination with civil society and the transitional government, facilitated a “Day of Dialogue”, the first of its kind hosted inside Syria. 

This provided Syrian civil society with a genuine platform to share their recommendations directly with those in power, something that would have been unthinkable just one year ago.

We hope that this can serve as a catalyst for regular, continuous and structured dialogue and partnership between civil society and transitional government, as also stated by Syrian Foreign Minister Shaibani during the meeting. 

Third,

As we heard from both Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and Director Dalton this morning, the extremely serious Humanitarian situation needs a tailored and comprehensive UN response for this to bear fruit and achieve real results adequate funding is needed. 

We remain concerned about the severe underfunding of the humanitarian response plan. Cuts to aid programs are now gravely affecting ordinary Syrians on a daily basis. Immediate humanitarian supply support is urgently needed.

This includes across livelihoods, nutrition and food security, demining, health, water and sanitation, especially now when we enter the winter months. Stabilizing and improving living conditions throughout the country would also help accelerate economic development and the rebuilding of the country. 

Mr. President, in closing, 

The challenges facing Syria are complex and interconnected, but they're not insurmountable. While much remains to be done, we are encouraged by the progress already made.

Denmark stands ready to work constructively with the UN, this Council and the transitional government to ensure a safe, prosperous and politically inclusive future for the Syrian people.

I thank you.