75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
National Statement of ESTONIA at the Security Council meeting on the Political and Humanitarian Situation in Syria
August 24, 2021
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Undersecretary Griffiths for their briefings on both the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. We also took note of the comments made by Mr. Khaled Erksoussi.
Syria faces numerous challenges in the near future. In this regard, I want to highlight the recent military escalation in the South of the country, which is a growing concern for Estonia. Unfortunately, Syrian authorities have failed to ensure stability in the Governorate of Daraa. Over 35 000 people have been displaced in the region this summer, as violence has steadily increased.
Estonia condemns the shelling of urban areas by the Syrian army, threatening the well-being and safety of most vulnerable groups, including women, children and elderly. Implementing an immediate nationwide ceasefire is a precondition for peaceful dialogue, based on the resolution 2254.
Overall living standards also continue to deteriorate, as corruption and warlordism are still widespread across Syria. Safe and dignified return of refugees is not possible.
In light of these hardships and Covid-19 pandemic, I want to underline the work of international humanitarian organizations, which remains critical in reaching millions of people on the ground with necessary medical and humanitarian aid. Estonia calls all parties to provide safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrian people in need.
The renewal of the cross-border aid mechanism for one year in July is certainly encouraging, especially when considering that no cross-line deliveries have taken place to the Northwest of Syria.
Mr. President – the political discussions are in a deadlock, as the Constitutional Committee talks have not continued. Estonia encourages the Special Envoy to explore additional confidence building measures to enhance genuine dialogue.
Most importantly – we believe that meaningful steps in regards to arbitrarily detained people could help to ease tensions. I reiterate the call of Estonia and the European Union on the need to create an international mechanism to locate missing people or their remains.
There must be accountability for the many war crimes and crimes against humanity – and an end to impunity. We demand the release of all arbitrarily detained people and political prisoners.
