22.01.2026 Danish Statement for the Security Council Briefing on Syria

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me also thank ASG Khiari and Director Wosornu for their briefings. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Syria to today’s meeting. 

Mr. President,

We have paid careful attention to the dramatic events unfolding in North Eastern Syria these past weeks, which arguably constitute the most substantial territorial change since the fall of the Assad-regime. 

Reports of ISIL/Da’esh fighters escaping from prisons and camps in Syria – albeit difficult to confirm - are worrying. We urge the Syrian transitional government to continue its efforts to address this threat comprehensively as a member of the counter ISIL coalition.

We welcome the ceasefire between the SDF and the Syrian transitional government from 20th January. It is key that this is now implemented and that dialogue and de-escalation are prioritized.

Even with a ceasefire in place, we urge the Syrian transitional government and the SDF to prioritise protection of civilians above all else. Civilians must never be targets, and accountability must always be judicial and never founded on retribution. In this regard, it is crucial to continue the challenging process towards inclusive and credible transitional justice for all Syrians.

Mr. President,

As we just heard from Director Wosornu, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Even without the recent military clashes in the North East.

A severe drought followed by a harsh winter, including heavy snowfall in the North East, has impacted heating, housing and nutrition. In the short term, basic needs including blankets, meal packages and shelter are urgently needed.

In the long term, resilience-building measures, such as recultivation, clearance of farmland and protecting vital waterways from environmental degradation, are key.

The lack of funding remains a major concern and we urge all donors to do more to meet the needs.

Mr. President,

Last year has been marked by progress on many fronts. However, as we look to the year ahead, it is also clear that many challenges still persist in the securing of a genuinely inclusive political transition in Syria.

In this regard, we reiterate our call for an inclusive and transparent political process – respectful of the rights of all segments of the Syrian population. This is the only viable path towards lasting peace and stability in Syria.

Denmark remains strongly committed to this end.

I thank you.