Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy
Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council
meeting on Syria.
I want to underline the critical importance of sustainable and
effective aid access into Syria. Needs are higher than ever.
Humanitarian organisations must be able to deliver lifesaving
assistance through the most efficient and effective means, in
line with the humanitarian principles.
In less than 20 days time, the current authorization for the UN
to use the Bab Al Hawa border crossing will again expire. The
cross-border response is a lifeline for 4.2 million Syrians in
the North-West of Syria in need of urgent assistance. We have
heard time and time again from humanitarians, including in this
Council, that it provides the most efficient, effective,
predictable route to people in need. We call for access to be
granted for as long as is needed, without arbitrary deadlines and
without conditions, in line with international humanitarian law.
Second, the impact of Syria's conflict extends beyond its
borders. In light of World Refugee Day last week, I want to
recognise the devastating reality for many Syrians who currently
cannot return home, as well as the ongoing generosity of the
Governments of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey in hosting Syrian
refugees. The sad reality is that Syrians are still fleeing the
country, whether due to violence or the desperate humanitarian
situation.
Our hope is that one day, Syrian refugees will be able to
voluntarily return home. However, the actions of the Assad regime
have so far meant they are unable to do so. A report released
last week highlighted that more than 4,700 returnees were
detained by regime forces since 2014. If returning refugees are
not safe, others will not return.
Third, progress on the political process is essential. The
enduring humanitarian crisis and continued displacement of
Syrians will only be resolved through a comprehensive political
settlement in line with Security Council resolution 2254.
This month, the Syrian opposition demonstrated their commitment
to 2254 during their annual conference, and civil society
organisations have continued to offer creative solutions in
overcoming the current impasse. We call on the regime to also
engage constructively with the UN-facilitated political process,
which remains the only viable route to lasting peace in Syria.
