Middle East: Regional crisis threatens to engulf Syria, UN envoy warns
Summary of ambassadors in Security CouncilGeir Pedersen expressed deep concern about the escalating violence and its widespread impact on Syria, which has been embroiled in civil conflict – drawing in outside powers – since 2011.
He highlighted an attack earlier in the day on a vehicle at Damascus International Airport, warning of the looming risk of a wider regional war.
“There is a clear and present danger of a wider regional war that could drag the Syrian people into the crosshairs…The most urgent need now is de-escalation, right now, across the region – including a ceasefire in Gaza.,” He speak.
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A photo of a Security Council meeting.
Split by active frontline
Mr. Pedersen described the dire situation in Syria, with hostilities between pro-government groups and the terrorist groups Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria (ISIL-Syria), including the use of heavy weapons, drones and snipers.
“Let us remember that Syria is still in a state of serious conflict and territorial division. There are millions of Syrians living under government control, but millions more are living outside government control or abroad.“, he said.
He stressed that there were “four or more areas divided by active front lines” including six foreign troops involved in the ongoing conflict – some at the invitation of the Government, and numerous Syrian armed forces and terrorist groups listed by the Security Council.
And there is also a regional crisis, “there is always a risk of a breakdown in Syria”.
Social trust is lacking
He also warned that in addition to military and territorial divisions, Syrian society was also divided.
“The dynamics of conflict continue“The grievances are real and persistent and there are still very different views on post-conflict Syria,” he said, stressing that without a comprehensive UN-sponsored political process, “it is unrealistic to think” that stability can be achieved.
“We, as the United Nations, are one of the very few organizations that can directly engage with the Syrian people from all sides of this conflict – not just political actors but also civil society, including women, who we bring to Geneva from all over the country, and from the displaced,” Mr. Pedersen stressed.
The humanitarian crisis is getting worse.
As the Syrian crisis unfolds, the humanitarian crisis is worsening as millions of civilians, especially children, face unprecedented challenges.
More than 16 million people need humanitarian aid and protection, more than half of whom are children, said Ramesh Rajasingham, Coordination Director at OCHAthe ambassadors said.
Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination at OCHA, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria.
Families in desperate situations are forced to adopt “negative coping strategies” – sending young boys out to work and forcing young girls into early marriagehe noted.
Children also face a high risk of sexual violence and other forms of abuse, particularly those separated from their families or living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Mr. Rajasingham further noted that in the face of soaring needs, humanitarian organizations lack the resources to respond. The $4.07 billion 2024 response plan for Syria is Only about 25 percent are funded about $1.04 billion.
Determined to find a way forward
Faced with these “sobering realities,” Mr. Pedersen said he remains determined to find constructive ways forward.
He is expected to meet with the Syrian Foreign Minister and the chairman of the Syrian Negotiations Commission in New York next week, along with stakeholders and representatives from donor countries.
His message to everyone will be clear: the UN-led political process must be pushed forward on three key fronts.
These include reviving the stalled Constitutional Commission, implementing confidence-building measures and coming up with a new comprehensive approach that balances the interests of all.
A view of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. (file)
Human Rights Council discussions
Meanwhile in Geneva, Human Rights Council – The UN’s highest body on all matters relating to rights – has discussed the situation in Syria, with the head of an independent commission of inquiry declaring that the country “sink deeper into the quagmire of suffering and despair”.
“Civilians continue to be killed every day in a senseless war that has left the country economically and politically devastated.Paulo Pinheiro, chairman of the independent international commission of inquiry, said in an interactive dialogue with ambassadors based in Geneva.
The discussion comes after the Commission of Inquiry presented a detailed report on the human rights situation and recommendations for action earlier this week.
The Commission was established by the Human Rights Council in August 2011 to investigate all allegations of violations of international human rights law in Syria since March of that year, when large anti-government protests broke out and were subsequently suppressed by security forces.
The President and members of this organization are independent of the United Nations. They are not employees of the United Nations and do not receive a salary for their work.
