He stated that the regional impact is just the most recent factor that is intensifying a conflict that continues to become more intricate with each passing year. The conditions are deteriorating in almost every aspect and the current state of affairs cannot be sustained or controlled.

Airstrikes and casualties

Israel is being accused of conducting numerous airstrikes in Syria this month, including ones that targeted civilian and military areas in Homs and Damascus. These attacks reportedly caused harm to both civilians and military personnel, including advisors from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The US implemented retaliatory attacks on numerous locations in Syria and Iraq that are connected to Iran, in response to a fatal drone strike on its troops in Jordan.

“The ongoing vectors within the Syrian conflict continue to be the main instigators of civilian casualties and displacement,” he stated.

There have been numerous clashes along the northern region of Syria this month. Reports have mentioned incidents involving artillery, rockets, and sniper fire between opposing forces, as well as drone attacks from both the government and militant group HTS. Turkish drone strikes have also been reported.

The frequency and severity of ISIL attacks have increased in the central and northeast regions, causing ongoing violence and instability in southern Syria.

Backing the call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“The tension in the region must be de-escalated immediately, beginning with a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as urged by the Secretary General,” stated Mr. Pedersen, emphasizing the vital importance of de-escalation in Syria.

He urged for the safeguarding of non-combatants and civilian structures, stressing that any actions taken against terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council should be collaborative and adhere to international laws, with a focus on protecting civilians.

Constitutional Committee ‘hiatus’ 

Mr. Pedersen also informed ambassadors about his progress in gathering the halted Syrian Constitutional Committee, which unites delegates from the Government, the opposition, and civil society to gather in discussions held in Geneva.

The Committee’s previous meeting was in June 2022. Its ninth session, which was supposed to take place in July, was cancelled due to Russia’s recent decision to no longer recognize Switzerland as a neutral location. Additionally, the Syrian Government did not agree to hold the meeting in Geneva.

At the beginning, the Special Envoy expressed that Geneva was the designated place for gatherings, following the Committee’s guidelines, and emphasized the need for the process to occur without outside interference. In addition, as the facilitator, he promised to examine all potential options and endorse an alternative location if it was unanimously agreed upon.

April meeting announced 

Despite numerous suggested locations, such as the UN Office at Nairobi proposed by him, an agreement could not be reached.

Unable to find another location, I suggest reconvening in Geneva as a temporary solution until a consensus on a different venue can be reached. However, we are still open to considering an alternative venue for future sessions if a consensus is reached.

On that day, Mr. Pedersen declared that he would be sending out official invitations for a ninth round of discussions in Geneva during April.

“I am of the opinion that it is crucial for the Constitutional Committee to convene at the earliest opportunity and actively pursue its tasks. Any prolonged pause would erode the Committee’s integrity and hinder its progress,” he cautioned.

Humanitarian situation deteriorates 

The Special Envoy discussed the dire conditions of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, which has been ongoing for a year following devastating earthquakes in the north and neighboring Turkey. These natural disasters resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions.

Martin Griffiths, the United Nations’ Emergency Relief Coordinator, emphasized that there is still a significant amount of work to be done in order to tackle the long-lasting effects of the earthquakes and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. He also informed the Council that the situation has worsened significantly in the last year.

Record needs 

According to him, an astonishing 16.7 million individuals in Syria, which makes up about 75% of the country’s population, are currently in need of humanitarian aid. This is the largest number since the war began close to 13 years ago.

Mr. Griffiths welcomed the Government’s recent decision to allow the UN to deliver aid to northwest Syria through two border crossings with Türkiye – Bab al-Salam and Al Ra’ee – for an additional three months, through 13 May.

The extension has been granted following the previously welcomed choice made in January to prolong the authorization of utilizing the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for six more months, until July 13th.

Urgent requirement for financial support.

Since the start of this year, the United Nations and its partners have successfully transported over 5,000 trucks of crucial aid through various crossings and have completed more than 40 cross-border missions.

He stated that this has enabled us to offer necessary assistance to 2.5 million individuals each month and to conduct more than one million medical procedures.

Mr. Griffiths emphasized the dedication of the humanitarian community to aid individuals throughout Syria, emphasizing the importance of securing adequate funding.

The Humanitarian Response Plan for the previous year was only able to secure less than 40% of the necessary funds, the lowest amount since the conflict began.

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