He reminded the ambassadors that “Syria remains in a state of conflict, complex and deeply divided” – one of four key messages he wanted to send to the ambassadors.
He also focused on the plight of Syrian refugees, the need for a political solution and pledged to implement it. Council Resolution 2254 (2015)which confirms the roadmap for the peace process.
The urgent need to de-escalate
Mr. Pedersen reported that last week Israel carried out airstrikes, which the Syrian government said targeted military sites in the south and a residential building in the capital Damascus.
Israel said the airstrikes were in response to the launch of two drones from Syria toward its territory, he continued. Further airstrikes were reported in Tartous, Damascus, the Damascus countryside and the border with Lebanon.
“There is a profound risk that this dynamic will escalate further – especially if the situation in Lebanon worsens,” he said. warned.
At the same time, the threat of escalation in Syria “remains unabated”. Frontline fighting has occurred in the north, and clashes have broken out in the south.
“The need to de-escalate and move towards a nationwide ceasefire remains more urgent than ever,” Mr Pedersen said. “The threat from listed terrorist groups is resurgent, with ISIL attacks on track to double this year by some measures, requiring collaborative action.”
Concerns for Syrian refugees
Regarding the situation of Syrian refugees, the UN Special Envoy noted that tensions in host countries have reached a peak this month, with alarming reports of attacks, causing significant violence.
Refugees are concerned about the prospect of being forced to return to Syria, or being forced back by increasing restrictions, he said.
“We fully recognise the enormous difficulties facing host countries and call for further support. We also continue to emphasise the importance of supporting voluntary return of Syrians,” he said.
“At the same time, we call for an end to anti-refugee rhetoric and actions. Syrians must be protected wherever they are, and efforts must continue to create conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return.”
Political solution is the only way
Mr. Pedersen stressed that a Syrian-led and -owned process, facilitated by the United Nations, is essential and remains the only internationally agreed way out of more than a decade of war.
He said Syrians remained deeply divided, both politically and territorially, with millions still living outside the government’s control, and stressed the need for a negotiated political solution.
“Ultimately, the conflict is a political conflict that can only be resolved when the parties in Syria are able to realize their legitimate aspirations and the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria are respected and restored,” he said.
Find a way forward
In his final message, Mr. Pedersen stressed that all major international stakeholders in Syria must engage and address their relevant concerns within the framework of a comprehensive approach to implementing the UN resolution.
He added that this month has seen new statements about the potential resumption of diplomatic relations between the Government and Turkiye, as well as from Russia and Iraq about their efforts to support this development.
“I stress the importance of overcoming obstacles and finding a way forward. This is possible and requires the contribution of Syrian parties and external stakeholders,” he said.
“My appeal to all is to engage in the United Nations with a spirit of pragmatism, realism, frankness and compromise, to promote a political process consistent with Security Council Resolution 2254.
Millions of people need help
Meanwhile, Syria continues to suffer its worst humanitarian crisis since the war broke out more than 13 years ago, a senior official at the United Nations aid coordination office, OCHAthe ambassadors said.
More than 16 million Syrians, mostly women and children, need humanitarian assistance and some 7.2 million people are displaced, said Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the OCHA Coordination Unit.
“The impact of the conflict, coupled with the economic hardships, the pressures of climate change and severe cuts in humanitarian funding, as well as the lack of development of basic services, has never been more evident than during the hottest months of the year,” he added.
Humanitarian funding shortfall
Mr. Rajasingham recalled that the lack of funds is affecting the efforts of humanitarian organizations to repair water stations in many locations.
He warned of the impact in the northwest, where aid partners report that more than 900,000 people are without clean water and essential support.
“As climate change makes heatwaves more frequent, these challenges will only increase,” he said, calling on donors to step up support.
Expanding cross-border access
Pointing to other developments in the northwest, Mr. Rajasingham welcomed the Syrian government’s decision to allow the United Nations to deliver aid into the area through the Bab-al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey for another six months, until January 13, 2025.
This is the second extension since the Government first authorized the UN to conduct operations in February 2023. Over the past year, nearly 2,000 trucks have traveled from Türkiye into northwestern Syria through Bab Al-Hawa and two other crossings, Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee.
Mr Rajasingham also stressed the urgent need to continue efforts to increase cross-border support. He expressed concern about the continued delays in planned missions in the northwest and northeast.
He expressed hope that a cross-border mission to Idleb would be conducted next month, the first in more than a year, and that planned missions to Ras Al Ain and Tell Abiad could also be conducted soon.
