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Thank you, Mr. President.
And let me also thank Deputy Special Envoy Cordone and OCHA Director Wosornu for their briefings.
Mr. President, as we have heard, the Syrian People’s Assembly convening for the first time on 12 July marks an important step in Syria’s transition. The 210-member chamber is now largely complete.
We welcome this important step in the transition toward institution-building. We note that the last third of the parliament –appointed by President Al-Sharaa on 1 July – makes the People’s Assembly more representative than was hitherto the case.
The People’s Assembly will be key in responding to the aspirations of all segments of the Syrian population throughout the Syrian-led political transition.
In addition, international support for the transition process in all its aspects remains crucial. This is a part of the reason why we later today are organising a dedicated Arria-formula meeting to focus on transitional justice and missing persons in Syria.
Mr. President,
As the attacks in Damascus on 4 July and subsequent bombings on 7 July have reminded us, Syria is still faced with a significant threat from terrorism that risk unravelling the security situation if not properly addressed.
We commend Syria for their strengthened efforts in combatting terrorism, and urge continued efforts to address terrorism comprehensively as a member of the global coalition against Daesh.
Continued international engagement and support will also be crucial for dismantling Daesh in Syria,
Turning to the situation in the region, we recognize efforts by Syria to avoid direct involvement in the broader conflict. We also welcome the deepening of bilateral relations between Syria and Lebanon, including the 2 July agreement establishing a Joint Higher Committee, and continued coordination on border security, smuggling, and trade.
The continued Israeli presence in southern Syria, however, risks undermining and destabilizing the Syrian authorities.
We reiterate that Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected.
Lastly, Mr. President,
The humanitarian situation and future prospects for the Syrian population require our continued attention.
90 percent of Syria’s population still live under the poverty line. An estimated 15.6 million people require humanitarian assistance; and over 5.5 remain internally displaced.
As we have heard, refugees and internally displaced continuously seek to return to their areas of origin to build a new future for their families and their country.
To support hope and these aspirations, protection efforts must be sustained, and early recovery interventions must be prioritized, something Denmark is providing increasing support to.
One such example is the UN Joint Project to Build Urban and Rural Resilience in which Denmark is the largest donor. It helps to create jobs, re-establish critical infrastructure, rebuild health care and secure consistent water supply in Aleppo.
The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Syria requires 3.2 billion USD, but is currently only one third funded as we heard from Director Wosornu. More needs to be done to meet critical needs in addition to establishing social cohesion, and reversing risks of potential rise in tensions.
Mr President, in closing, Denmark remains committed to support a Syrian-led and Syrian owned transition.
Building a new future on the ashes of the nearly 14 years of devastating war will not be easy. But the Syrian people have the skill, the creativity, and the determination to achieve it. It is our responsibility — as this Council, and as the international community — to stand with them in this effort.
I thank you
