22.04.2026 Statement for Council Briefing on Syria

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Thank you, Mr. President.

And let me also thank Deputy Special Envoy Cordone, USG Fletcher, and Special Representative Vanessa Frazier for their briefings. It is good to hear all your recent impressions from Syria.

Mr. President, at this time of heightened tension across the Middle East, we recognize efforts by the Syrian government to avoid direct involvement in the broader conflict. 

However, it is clear that Syria has not been spared entirely. We see this from the closure of its airspace, to economic disruptions and the rationing of electricity, not to mention the volatile situation along the Lebanese border, with thousands of Syrian returnees and Lebanese refugees crossing into Syria.

Against this fragile backdrop, it is vital that all parties respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refrain from any attack on Syrian territory.

We commend Syria’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Israel.

And we urge Israel to cease its incursions on Syrian territory and to abide by the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

Mr. President,

Durable progress in Syria depends not only on stability, but on continued and meaningful advances in the political transition.

A key priority must be credible, inclusive and comprehensive transitional justice, including determining the fates of the missing, accountability for past crimes, as well as addressing accountability for violence, where tensions persist.

Focus must be maintained on the situation in the North East, and we urge parties to continue to prioritize the peaceful integration of the region while securing the rights and protection of all civilians, including the Kurds. While we recognise that the process is advancing, recent unrest in Qamishli and Aleppo illustrates the communal tensions that could undermine the process if left unaddressed.

We reiterate our hope that a Special Envoy will soon be appointed and able to establish a permanent office in Damascus to support the Syrian people in these important processes.

Mr. President,

As we have heard from SRSG Frazier, children suffered immensely throughout the Syrian war. An entire generation was raised not knowing anything but war.

Additional efforts are needed to address the deep psychological impacts of war on children in Syria, with child protection and access to education as cornerstones. Clearance of unexploded ordnance and mine risk education are essential to ensure that children have safe access to schools, hospitals, and playgrounds, as also highlighted by the special representative.

We all have an obligation to recommit to the future of Syria’s children by investing in conflict-sensitive education that meets both their mental-health and learning needs as a matter of priority.

Denmark commends the transitional government for its commitment to Syria’s international obligations for the protection of children and welcome the concrete steps it has taken in this regard.

We express our full support to the Syrian government and encourage further action.

Mr. President,

More than 1.9 million IDPs and more than 1.6 million Syrian refugees have returned home since December 2024. This is positive and illustrates a shared hope for the future of Syria.

However, challenges related to displacement are persistent and continuous support to vulnerable communities attempting to re-establish a life in Syria is crucial.

To do this, there is an urgent need to bolster funding for humanitarian aid and to support Syria’s sustainable recovery and reconstruction in the longer-term.

Recent flooding has affected more than 19.000 people and 3.400 shelters in Aleppo and Idlib alone. This shows how climate change can contribute to the worsening the situation of Syria’s humanitarian crisis.

Mr. President, in closing,

As we have heard from our briefers, even amidst conflict across the Middle East, there remains a path forward for Syria.

A future defined not by conflict, but by dignity, stability, and opportunity for its people.

Denmark remains firmly committed to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace and recovery. Hope must be preserved—and translated into action.

I thank you.