UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement on Saturday, underscored the critical need for a negotiated political solution in Syria, emphasizing the protection of civilians and addressing the severe humanitarian crisis that has unfolded over the past thirteen years of conflict.
As Syria commemorates the thirteenth anniversary of the ongoing conflict, characterized by systematic atrocities and widespread suffering among civilians, Guterres emphasized the urgent necessity for a genuine and credible political resolution.
With UN estimates indicating that 70 percent of Syria’s total population, approximately 16.7 million people, will require humanitarian assistance in 2024, the situation remains dire. Nearly half of the pre-war population remains displaced within or outside Syria.
Adding to the complexity, a series of earthquakes struck the country’s north in February of the previous year, claiming nearly 5,900 lives, causing severe damage to infrastructure, and intensifying the vulnerability of millions already struggling to meet basic needs.
Compounding the challenges, humanitarian funding has hit an all-time low, with only $2.02 billion, or 37.4 percent of the required $5.41 billion for UN-led humanitarian efforts, received in 2023.
In his statement, Guterres urged all stakeholders to take immediate and decisive actions to achieve a political solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. This solution should restore the country’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, aligning with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) and creating conditions for the voluntary return of refugees with safety and dignity.
“We need civilians and civilian infrastructure to be protected,” emphasized the UN chief.
Alongside the call for a political solution, Guterres emphasized the necessity for a strategic approach to counter terrorism in line with international law, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syria, and urgent and adequate funding to sustain critical aid operations.
“It is long past time for key parties to step up and meet these needs. An entire generation of Syrians has already paid too high a price,” added Guterres, who also highlighted ongoing human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender-based violence, and torture, emphasizing the responsibility to end impunity for the sake of Syrian victims, survivors, and their families.
