Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Syria’s Political & Humanitarian Situation
2023/10/30
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President.
As we heard from the briefings by Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Wosornu today, there have been a number of alarming recent events that threaten the already precarious security and humanitarian environment in Syria. I thank both briefers for their detailed briefings.
Mr. President,
First, the situation in Israel and Palestine has a worrying risk of regional spillover. Already there are reports of exchanges of cross-border fire in the Golan Heights and strikes on the Damascus and Aleppo international airports. Japan will continue to work, in close cooperation with the international community including the UN, to calm the situation as soon as possible.
Additionally, devastating drone attacks in Homs and retaliatory shelling over Idlib have caused hundreds of casualties, damage to civilian facilities, and further displacement. This constitutes the “largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in four years” according to the UN Commission of Inquiry and Mr. Pedersen’s briefing just now.
Japan echoes the Secretary-General’s condemnation of all violence in Syria and reiterates his call for all parties to respect their obligations under international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times.
Mr. President,
The latest violence only worsens the already dire humanitarian situation in Syria. While Japan is pleased that UN aid deliveries into northwest Syria from Turkiye have continued this month, we encourage further vital assistance through all modalities, including cross-border and cross-line.
It is truly regrettable that the Council couldn’t agree to extend the cross-border aid mechanism in northwest Syria in July. As the Syrian Government’s consent for the use of the Bab al-Salam and Al Ra’ee border crossings expires in November, we hope it will be extended. The lives of millions are at stake.
Regarding the political situation, Japan is disappointed that the Constitutional Committee has been unable to reconvene in Geneva or elsewhere and hopes that a venue can be agreed upon as soon as possible. We further encourage Special Envoy Pedersen’s intensive diplomatic efforts to facilitate progress in the step-for-step approach and relaunch a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with resolution 2254.
Creating conditions for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and IDPs is also critical. We look forward to receiving more updates from the Secretary-General and OHCHR regarding the independent institution to clarify the fate of missing persons in Syria.
Syria’s rejoining the League of Arab States has sparked hope for a realistic path towards peace and stability in Syria and beyond. In this vein, the role of the Arab Contact Group is crucial. However, Japan stresses the need for the Syrian Government to participate meaningfully and in good faith in these efforts to move the political process forward.
Mr. President,
Amidst the many conflicts and crises around the world, we must not forget the plight of the Syrian people. This Council must remain engaged, and Japan will spare no effort to that end.
I thank you.
As we heard from the briefings by Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Wosornu today, there have been a number of alarming recent events that threaten the already precarious security and humanitarian environment in Syria. I thank both briefers for their detailed briefings.
Mr. President,
First, the situation in Israel and Palestine has a worrying risk of regional spillover. Already there are reports of exchanges of cross-border fire in the Golan Heights and strikes on the Damascus and Aleppo international airports. Japan will continue to work, in close cooperation with the international community including the UN, to calm the situation as soon as possible.
Additionally, devastating drone attacks in Homs and retaliatory shelling over Idlib have caused hundreds of casualties, damage to civilian facilities, and further displacement. This constitutes the “largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in four years” according to the UN Commission of Inquiry and Mr. Pedersen’s briefing just now.
Japan echoes the Secretary-General’s condemnation of all violence in Syria and reiterates his call for all parties to respect their obligations under international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times.
Mr. President,
The latest violence only worsens the already dire humanitarian situation in Syria. While Japan is pleased that UN aid deliveries into northwest Syria from Turkiye have continued this month, we encourage further vital assistance through all modalities, including cross-border and cross-line.
It is truly regrettable that the Council couldn’t agree to extend the cross-border aid mechanism in northwest Syria in July. As the Syrian Government’s consent for the use of the Bab al-Salam and Al Ra’ee border crossings expires in November, we hope it will be extended. The lives of millions are at stake.
Regarding the political situation, Japan is disappointed that the Constitutional Committee has been unable to reconvene in Geneva or elsewhere and hopes that a venue can be agreed upon as soon as possible. We further encourage Special Envoy Pedersen’s intensive diplomatic efforts to facilitate progress in the step-for-step approach and relaunch a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with resolution 2254.
Creating conditions for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and IDPs is also critical. We look forward to receiving more updates from the Secretary-General and OHCHR regarding the independent institution to clarify the fate of missing persons in Syria.
Syria’s rejoining the League of Arab States has sparked hope for a realistic path towards peace and stability in Syria and beyond. In this vein, the role of the Arab Contact Group is crucial. However, Japan stresses the need for the Syrian Government to participate meaningfully and in good faith in these efforts to move the political process forward.
Mr. President,
Amidst the many conflicts and crises around the world, we must not forget the plight of the Syrian people. This Council must remain engaged, and Japan will spare no effort to that end.
I thank you.