Security Council
The situation in the Middle East - Security Council, 9640th meeting
Absent Political Progress, Ongoing Violence Putting Syria, Global Community at ‘Terrible Risks’, Special Envoy for Syria Warns Security Council
In Last Briefing Before Stepping Down, Senior Relief Official Says ‘It Pains Me that the Suffering of the People of Syria Grinds On’ With absent political progress, ongoing violence and a worsening humanitarian situation in Syria, terrible risks could be on the horizon for that beleaguered country and the global community, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy warned the Security Council, as he called for a de-escalation of hostilities, starting in Gaza, and a comprehensive engagement among all stakeholders to arrive at a lasting solution to the 14-year Syrian conflict. Geir O. Pedersen, noting the absence of a clear political path to implement Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) in Syria, warned: “This is not just tragic — it is dangerous.” Without a comprehensive political process, festering negative trends are presenting “terrible risks for Syrians and the broader international community”. Detailing ongoing hostilities, he urged regional de-escalation efforts, starting with a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Calling for the resumption of the Constitutional Committee meetings, he underscored the need for serious engagement among the Syrian Government and the opposition, Syrian civil society, as well as of key international actors. A comprehensive approach must meet Syrians’ legitimate aspirations and restore Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, he said, appealing to all to “engage and work with us on this way forward”. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefing the Council in-person for the last time before stepping down from his duties, stated: “As I prepare to step down, it pains me that the suffering of the people of Syria grinds on,” he told the 15-nation organ. Syria remains a “protection crisis” with more than 7 million people displaced — a figure surpassed only by Sudan — and millions living as refugees in neighbouring countries. He welcomed the recent decision to extend permission for the use of Bab al-Salam and Al Ra’ee border crossings until 13 August, and expressed hope that the use of Bab al-Hawa will also be extended.