22.10.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Syria

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Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi and OCHA-director Rajasingham for their comprehensive briefings.

I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic in today’s meeting, as well as the Representatives of Oman and Türkiye.

Since our last meeting on Syria, we opened a new General Assembly session and heard from leaders from around the world throughout High Level Week. One of those leaders was Syria’s President Al-Sharaa, who stated that Syria continues “to write a new chapter, titled: peace, prosperity, and development”.

Denmark welcomes this commitment and stands ready to support Syria in writing this new chapter, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

With these positive messages in mind, allow me to make three points.

First, we take note of the first round of indirect elections to the People’s Assembly conducted on October 5th where the first 119 members were elected. For the remaining seats, we hope to witness a truly inclusive nomination process to ensure a People’s Assembly that reflects the aspirations of all segments of Syrian society.

As Deputy Special Envoy Rochdi so forcefully articulated, we believe that women have a key role to play in Syria’s transition and we encourage the transitional government to ensure women’s full and meaningful participation in the political transition.

We also urge the transitional government to continue its engagement with civil society, safeguarding civic space, and emphasizing inclusive national dialogue.

Transitional justice and accountability are also crucial for sustainable political progress, and we welcome President Al-Sharaa’s commitment to hold to account those responsible for violence and serious crimes against the Syrian people.

We encourage the transitional Syrian government to share information on progress regarding accountability and keep the Syrian people and the international community informed about progress and needs for assistance.

Second, Mr. President,

The security situation in Syria remains fragile. The threat of attacks from Daesh and other terrorist groups persists and must not be underestimated.

We welcome Syria’s intention to continue counterterrorism efforts and see credible deterrence going hand in hand with comprehensive and robust security sector reform.

Denmark reaffirms it strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel’s continued air strikes inside Syria only create a more dangerous security landscape. We urge Israel to cease such attacks, which are deeply concerning, and to withdraw its troops from Syria. We hope that the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Syria translate into tangible peace and stability for the people of Syria and the region.

Third Mr. President, turning to the humanitarian situation. As we heard from the OCHA Director, the needs on the ground remain immense. After a decade of conflict, Syrians continue to grapple with a volatile security environment, millions of internally displaced, poor food security, as well as deeply degraded public infrastructure and lack of access to basic public services.

Though a ceasefire remains in effect, ongoing violence in Suweida has left nearly 200,000 internally displaced persons across the region. Here as in the rest of the country, long-term multi-sector humanitarian support across livelihoods, nutrition, health, and water and sanitation remains critically important, especially as we enter the winter months.

Stabilizing and improving living conditions throughout the country will also help accelerate economic development and the rebuilding of the country.

Mr. President, in closing,

Denmark stands with Syria in this new chapter of its history, and we look forward to engaging actively on the strategic assessment of the United Nations future engagement with Syria.

I thank you.