21 December 2023
Thank you, Mr. President.
At the outset, allow me to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and OCHA representative Director Doughten for their insights. Also, I would like to extend Albania’s full support for your good offices SE Pedersen.
The magnitude of destruction, as described once more today, by many has turned Syria into wreckage. The rate of violence in the northwest due to governmental attacks and airstrikes in Idlib is the highest in three years and the humanitarian needs are larger than ever.
Considering the situation in the region we echo the call of the Special Envoy for maximum restrain, de-escalation in respect of the nationwide ceasefire and in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law, as well as step-for-steps measures to revitalize the political process based on UNSC resolution 2254.
Without breaking this political impasse imposed by the Syrian regime, the envision of a brighter future for Syrian people becomes more difficult. We urge the regime to use the momentum and not to delay the convening of the Constitutional Committee as a practical necessary step to put back in track the Syrian led, UN facilitated political process. And we support the efforts of SE Pedersen in this regard.
President,
The humanitarian situation is an extension of the political stalemate. The economic devastation, including inflation, unemployment, and the collapse of essential services, has compounded the already dire humanitarian situation, putting communities into further desperation. The international community should stand in solidarity with Syrian people and deepen its support for the Humanitarian Response Plan. The aid delivery should remain predictable, sustainable, and transparent. In this vein, we urge for the extension of the authorization of the Bab al-Hawa cross border beyond the January deadline.
President,
Silence is no longer an option. This Council should be united in supporting the people in Syria. We owe it to the millions of refugees who cannot return safely to their homes. We owe it to the children stripped of their childhoods and victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
We believe that the pursuit of justice is fundamental to provide some relief for the victims of torture and gross human rights violations, to restore human dignity and provide closure to families of missing people or detainees.
The decision of last month from ICJ for Syria to take all measures to prevent acts of torture and other cruel treatment, is a landmark for accountability. In another potentially positive note, an upcoming launch of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria, e mechanism supported by Albania when voted in the GA in June, would provide an answer for the hundreds of thousands lives interrupted, for all those whose fate remain unknown, and voice silenced. Above all, it could bring an end to the suffering of the families who saw their loved ones forcibly separated in the shadows of the conflict. And it is important to be transparent and coordinated with the UN.
In concluding, I want to reiterate that Albania will remain a strong advocate of the Syrian people, in their pursue for justice and for a better future in dignity.
Thank you.