I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Undersecretary Lowcock for their briefings on both the political and humanitarian situation in Syria.
It is certainly regretful that the Syrian Constitutional Committee was unable to meet this month in Geneva. Especially, as this week marks the first year anniversary since the launch of the Committee.
Unfortunately – there have been little to no results from the whole process. Committee’s meetings in Geneva have not become regular and Syrian regime’s representatives resort to delaying tactics. We conclude that there is no real will in Damascus to move forward with the new constitution, nor engage genuinely in the political process.
Plans for holding presidential elections next spring without the new constitution only confirm this assessment. It would be a clear violation of resolution 2254 and its roadmap to achieve peace.
Estonia reiterates that meaningful progress on the issue of detainees and missing persons is another crucial element of 2254, which could also serve as a confidence building measure between the Syrian regime and its legitimate opposition. Release of arbitrarily detained people, respect for human rights, and holding free and fair elections are the cornerstone of national reconciliation.
Mr. President – looking at the situation on the ground, we remain cautiously optimistic about the Russia-Turkey ceasefire agreement from March, which largely seems to be holding. This truce continues to provide the local population in Idlib much deserved break from violence.
However, we regret yesterday’s Russian airstrikes in Northern parts of Idlib, which violate the ceasefire and underline its fragility. We call the parties to de-escalate the situation.
While the military situation is hopeful, Covid-19 continues to affect Syrians across the country, with at least 12 000 cases and 500 people dead. Health facilities and human resources have been nearly depleted due to conflict and the capacity to cope with the pandemic remains extremely limited.
Mr. President – as other Council members, Estonia highly appreciates OCHA’s efforts in providing aid to millions of Syrians every month. We recall all parties immediately to provide unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access to all parts of Syria.
Since August 2020 reportedly more than 100 schools have closed in Northeast Syria. Estonia finds it imperative that children regain access to quality education and continue the learning process, in order to avoid the lost generation.
We welcome the overwhelming support of the largest international donors to Syrians. European Union and its member states’ contributions enable a scaling-up of critical programs to support host communities and refugees in dealing with the impact of COVID-19, as well as to alleviate the suffering of Syrians inside of the country.
The Fourth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” – hosted by the European Union and co-chaired with the UN earlier this summer – generated pledges totalling more than 12 billion Euros, out of which 4.5 billion Euros have already been contributed for 2020.