UN Secretary-General addresses reporters on events in Syria. UN Secretary-General: Israeli bombing in Syria must end Peace and Security
Syria is experiencing a historic moment that offers its people a long-awaited opportunity for change. However, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, this hope remains fragile and requires international support.
“There is a spark of hope in Syria today. This spark must not be extinguished,” the UN Secretary-General stressed, speaking to journalists at UN headquarters on Thursday. He noted that after more than five decades of dictatorship, the people of Syria have a chance to realize the aspirations that inspired the peaceful movement for change in 2011.
A New Era for Syrians
The UN chief noted that a successful future for Syria is possible only with the participation of all communities in the country. “The political transition must be of Syrians and for Syrians – all Syrians. It must be inclusive, credible and peaceful,” he said, adding that the process must be based on the principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.
The Secretary-General paid special attention to the role of women and girls. “Their rights must be fully protected,” he stressed.
He also recalled Syria’s rich heritage, its culture and traditions of hospitality. “I saw this with my own eyes as High Commissioner for Refugees, when the Syrians welcomed millions of Iraqi displaced people,” he said.
Humanitarian Situation
Despite glimmers of hope, Syria continues to experience one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. “Recent events have only made this situation worse,” the Secretary-General noted, announcing that he had sent his deputy for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, to Syria to promptly resolve problems related to providing assistance to the Syrians.
Now, the head of the world organization continued, the UN and its partners are adapting to new realities in order to work effectively in the new conditions. “It is critical to ensure adequate funding for humanitarian and recovery activities,” he said.
Search for missing persons
Antonio Guterres recalled that thousands of families in Syria continue to live in uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. In this regard, the UN General Assembly created the Independent Institute for Missing Persons in Syria. “Today, I am announcing the appointment of Carla Quintana of Mexico as head of this institution,” he said.
According to the Secretary-General, all international mechanisms to protect human rights and hold those responsible for their violations accountable must have the necessary support to carry out “their important work.”
Threats that cannot be ignored
The situation in Syria remains volatile, despite a partial reduction in violence. “Civilians continue to be at risk – they are being killed, injured and forced to flee their homes. Their protection must be our top priority,” the UN chief stressed.
He expressed concern about the resumption of fighting in the north of the country, the threat from ISIS and large-scale Israeli airstrikes. “Israeli airstrikes violate Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and must stop,” he noted.
The UN has recorded the presence of Israeli forces in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. “There must be no military forces in the separation zone other than UN peacekeepers,” the Secretary-General reminded.
A Call for Peace and Justice
The Secretary-General concluded his statement with a call for the international community to unite in support of the Syrian people. “This is a defining moment – a historic moment of hope, but also of great uncertainty. Some will try to exploit the situation for their own interests, but the international community has a responsibility to stand with the Syrian people…”
“Syria’s future must be determined by its people, for its people, with our collective support,” he added. According to the UN chief, only an inclusive and peaceful process can lead Syria to the stability it longs for, despite the challenges that remain.