UNGA 74,
Statement at the Security Council on humanitarian situation in Syria,
Delivered by the Permanent Representative of Estonia, Ambassador Sven Jürgenson,
February 27, New York
Estonians all over the world celebrated their independence day earlier this week – 102 years. However, in light of what we just heard from the briefing of Assistant Secretary-General Mueller and UNICEF Executive Director Forre, it is hard to remain joyful today.
We are all witnessing a tragedy unfolding in Syria – more than 900 000 people displaced during the past three months, at least 300 others dead.
Our Syrian colleagues tell us, it is a fight against terrorism – but actually, they are turning the cradle of civilization into a graveyard. Until now, mostly ordinary people have continued to suffer.
Only two days ago, the Syrian army, assisted by the Russian armed forces, targeted ten schools in the Idlib Governorate. According to eyewitnesses – at least four were killed and fifteen injured in one of these attacks, because the school building served as a make-a-shift refuge for the fleeing people.
Besides the human suffering, we remain extremely worried about the escalating military conflict between the Turkish, Syrian, and Russian forces operating in the area.
Turkey offers shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees, as well as is determined to de-escalate the situation in Idlib. Attacks of the Syrian army threaten both of these important Turkish efforts.
Looking at the humanitarian disaster in Idlib, fourteen foreign ministers of the European Union yesterday highlighted their strong concern over the situation. Here, we now repeat their call on the Syrian regime and its allies to end this offensive, and to resume to the ceasefire established in 2018.
Astana format has failed. It might have worked as a short-term remedy for some, but it is now certainly falling short in protecting and helping civilians in Syria. That means, we must consider a stronger Security Council role for Syria once again.
Regarding the situation in the Northeast of the country. Reporting by the Secretary General indicates that the region is threatened with a serious lack of medical supplies in the coming months.
However, there are alternatives to substitute the closure of Al-Yaroubiah crossing point in the cross-border aid mechanism. This could take place through Tel Abyad in Turkey, or even Damascus itself.
For the Syrian regime to fill the gap, Syria would need to ease bureaucracy for aid organizations, and grant unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need everywhere. Unfortunately, as concluded by the United Nations, the Syrian regime has so far largely decided to neglect these requirements, giving access only in a sporadic manner.
It is so that the international community will not normalize its relationship with the Syrian regime, unless Damascus decides to abide by the international humanitarian law, and Security Council resolution 2254.
This position reflects both Estonian, but also broader European Union understanding. In short: there must be investigation before rehabilitation; there must be responsibility before availability; and there needs to be justice before any kind of recognition.