Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Syria’s Political & Humanitarian Situation
2024/9/20
(As delivered)
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and OCHA Director Rajasingham for their informative briefings.
As we have just heard from briefers, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate and the political process remains deadlocked. The cost of living is rising. Despair is deepening. Meanwhile, the regional security situation is escalating, making a political resolution increasingly harder.
Let us consider the humanitarian and political situations in turn.
First, the humanitarian front. The briefing by OCHA reminds us of the misery the population is still enduring after more than 13 years of conflict. Millions of children are IDPs, refugees, and out of school. They are the future of Syria. They must have access to safety, necessities, and education. They should know a life without fear.
More than 70% of Syrians are in need. They urgently require humanitarian aid. But they also need to be able to rebuild their lives.
In this regard, Japan stresses the importance of the efficient operationalization of all possible modalities for aid deliveries, including cross-border and crossline. We appreciate the ongoing efforts to expand crossline deliveries and welcome the first crossline mission to Deir Al-Zor.
However, it is regrettable that the Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria remains severely underfunded, with a larger funding gap than this time last year.
We urge donors to contribute whatever they can to meet the desperate needs of Syrians. It is also imperative to invest in early recovery and resilience, so that Syria can have a strong foundation to build a stable and safer country.
Second, the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process has not made progress since our last meeting. The Constitutional Committee must be convened at the earliest.
The international community must maintain its support for the political process outlined in Security Council resolution 2254 and the comprehensive mediation efforts of Special Envoy Pedersen.
No effort to rebuild trust between the parties should be spared. Japan will remain actively engaged in diplomacy with the Syrian government and all other relevant actors to this end.
Without a political resolution, Syria remains at high risk of being dragged into regional hostilities. Nothing could be a greater symbol of this than the recent pager explosion in Lebanon, where many devices reportedly exploded in Syria as well.
A possible full-scale Israel-Hezbollah war would not leave Syria immune. Regional tensions must be calmed, starting with an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
Madam President,
Once again, Syria remains at risk of becoming forgotten amidst the region’s many crises. But for the Syrian people, their plight is as real as ever. They need hope for a political resolution, for recovery, and for the displaced to be able to return home safely at last.
We must not fail them. Japan will continue to stand with them and support them in their pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity. They deserve no less.
I thank you, Madam President.