Top UN officials call for a comprehensive approach to the long-running crisis in Syria

Martin Griffiths, United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis, noting that 16.7 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance – the highest number since the conflict began 13 years ago.

He emphasized that the situation is deteriorating year by year, with particular emphasis on the ongoing protection crisis, as children continue to be killed and women and girls face high levels of sexual violence. sex and sexuality are increasing.

In addition, the unstable economic situation is adding to suffering and prolonging instability. According to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), the cost of living has more than doubled in the past year and shows no signs of improvement in the near future.

“More than 7 million people remain displaced in Syriawith millions more living as refugees in neighboring countries,” Mr. Griffiths said.

He emphasized the need for sustained humanitarian access through cross-border and cross-border operations.

Welcoming the Syrian government’s recent extension to use the Bab al-Salam border crossing, the UN aid chief stressed the need for longer-term, needs-based commitments. demand instead of setting a time period.

Security concerns

Geir O. Pedersen, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, describe The political deadlock deepens, with no clear political path to implementing UN commitments Security Council 2254 resolutionwhich outlines a roadmap for Syria’s political transition.

He warned of the risk of prolonged division and despair, threatening not only the Syrian people but also the broader international community.

“A variety of local and international actors and listed terrorist groups remain engaged in conflicts, inside and outside Syria, on multiple battlefields,” Mr. Pedersen said.

He detailed ongoing clashes across the north of the country and security tensions in control zones, complicated by the consequences of the war in Gaza, including Israeli airstrikes inside Syria, as well as missile and drone attacks from Syrian territory targeting the Israeli-occupied and Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

“If these moves continue, we will certainly see more suffering among civilians. And we could also see major escalation and further instability spread across the region,” he warned, reiterating the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“De-escalation efforts in the region start with one A humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is absolutely necessary”, he emphasized.

A piecemeal approach will not work

Mr. Pedersen further emphasized the need for a comprehensive political solution, with the participation of the Syrian government, the opposition, civil society and key international actors such as Iran, Russia, Türkiye, and the United States. , the Arab and European states and the Security Council.

“No single actor can resolve the crisis on its own, and no current diplomatic team can do that. Constructive international diplomacy with contributions from everyone is the only way forward,” he emphasized.

At the same time, meetings of the Constitutional Committee must be resumed and concrete confidence-building measures must be taken to stabilize the situation.

“Many people understand that the situation in Syria is dangerous, that the current piecemeal approach will not be enough to stem the tide, and that a containment and mitigation strategy will not stabilize the dangerous and difficult situation. measured in Syria – just like everywhere else. in the area,” he said.