Statement for Council Briefing on Syria

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 Thank you, Mr. President,

And let me begin by also extending a warm welcome to Deputy Special Envoy Cordone. We thank you for your briefing and we wish you all the best of success in your new role.

I also thank OCHA Director Doughten and want to particularly acknowledge the contribution of Ms. Muzna Dureid of the Syrian Women’s political Movement. Thank you for highlighting the important role of Syrian women in the political transition.as you said Syrian women paid the highest price during the last 14 years before the fall of the Assad regime so thank you for reminding us of that.

Mr. President,

We welcome the comprehensive agreement reached by the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces last month. It is key now to ensure continued implementation and to remain focused on dialogue and de-escalation.

We urge the Syrian transitional government and the SDF to prioritise the peaceful integration of the North East in the political transition and to ensure the rights and protection of all civilians, including the Kurdish. Unhindered humanitarian access to the population, including those in displacement camps, must also be a priority.

We underscore the need for a secure and orderly transition of control of camps and detention facilities from the SDF to the transitional government.

We acknowledge the substantial contribution by the SDF to the fight against Da’esh over the past years. Continued pressure by Syria and other partners on Da’esh and other terrorist groups remains important. We welcome Iraq’s cooperation to temporarily detain Da’esh-affiliated terrorists in Iraqi-controlled areas and facilities.

Mr. President,

We reiterate our call for a genuinely inclusive and transparent political process. A Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition that includes full inclusion of women at all stages and levels, including in the transitional government, remains imperative.

The right to establish political parties as well as organise and participate in civil society organisations is an important step of this transition. Civic space must be protected.

The UN has decades of expertise in guiding and advising on political transitions, transitional justice, DDR and security sector reform. In this light, we encourage the transitional government to facilitate the relocation of the Office of the Special Envoy to Damascus as soon as possible.

Mr. President,

The humanitarian situation remains extremely challenging and complex.

In recent months, Syria has battled severe drought followed by a harsh winter, including heavy snowfall in the North East and flooding in the Western part of the country. Immediate priority must be given to winterisation efforts and basic needs.

This requires urgent action and assistance. However, the response is threatened by a continued serious lack of funding. We urge all countries to do more to help Syria meet these needs.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian needs, we urge the Syrian transitional government to address the issue of missing persons and to continue to seek assistance from the Independent Institution on Missing Persons and ensure close partnership with other relevant independent mechanisms and bodies which can help to advance transitional justice.

Mr. President,

In closing,

As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, we hope that this month of peace and reflection is matched with renewed momentum in the political process, building on the latest developments and ultimately improving the lives and livelihoods for ordinary Syrians. Denmark remains committed to supporting all efforts to this end.

Thank you.