Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Special Envoy Pedersen, and Assistant-Secretary-General Msuya, for your briefings.
This month marks a grim milestone: thirteen years of war. Thirteen years since Syrians gathered in cities like Dara’a to call for a government that respects fundamental rights and freedoms. Thirteen years since the Syrian regime met this Revolution of Dignity with deadly force against its own people. And thirteen years of Syria languishing under a brutal regime that only knows the language of violence to address political dissent. These violations continue to this day.
But so too does the spirit of the revolution that began all those years ago. In many parts of the country, and all across the Syrian diaspora, the Syrian people are still peacefully raising their voices for change and refusing to be forced into submission.
For example, for more than six months residents of Al-Suwayda have been calling for peaceful political transition, the implementation of Resolution 2254, and accountability for those who opened fire on anti-regime protests or were involved in the killing of Jawad al-Barouki. These protests, and more like them, underscore the need of all Council members to support the Syrian people’s freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly.
They highlight the importance of full implementation of all aspects of Resolution 2254, and support for Special Envoy Pedersen’s work, and they underscore the need for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned solution to the conflict.
"We commend Special Envoy Pedersen’s steadfast efforts to advance the political track," it was stated during the briefing about his tireless work "to reconvene Syrian parties in Geneva for the Constitutional Committee." The call was made "on all Council members to push" towards encouraging "the Syrian regime to do its part," urging engagement "in good faith."
The cost has been high over these thirteen years as many Syrians continue fleeing persecution from their home country due to oppression by regimes involving torture among other abuses such as enforced disappearance or gender-based violence including sexual violence along with forced conscription.
"The United States remains deeply grateful" toward regional countries hosting refugees while recognizing UNRWA services' critical nature regarding Palestinian refugees within Syria appreciating urgent action by UN investigating allegations related staff misconduct specifically around Gaza launching independent reviews addressing neutrality practices
Alarm is expressed concerning humanitarian needs existing within Syria absent solutions politically making persistence inevitable hence redoubling efforts becomes necessary reaching resolutions meanwhile working collectively enabling humanitarian access wherever needed
Supporting UN agencies alongside humanitarian organizations protecting servicing needy Syrians continues being prioritized delivering assistance using available modalities like three crossings connecting northwest areas via Türkiye emphasizing tool usage including sanctions promoting accountability where abuse occurs
U.S.-imposed sanctions will remain effective until observable progress towards achieving desired political solutions is witnessed concretely measuring improvements occurring over time seeking better futures avoiding repeated negative milestones annually observed concluding remarks expressing gratitude toward President conducting proceedings successfully