シリア政治・人道情勢に関する安保理会合における山中大使ステートメント

Thank you, Madam President.
 
I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and USG Griffiths for sharing their valuable updates on the situation.
 
This month marks one year since the earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria, the tragic consequences of which still reverberate in local communities. For those on the Syrian side of the border, the disaster came on top of a conflict that now approaches its 14^th year.
 
Today, Syria remains in the largest displacement crisis in the world: about 5.1 million refugees and 6.8 million IDPs, according to UNHCR. The necessary conditions for safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees still do not exist. Cities destroyed by the war remain in ruins. The humanitarian situation continues to be devastating; it’s predicted that the number of Syrians in need of assistance this year will reach a record 16.7 million.
 
Japan welcomes the Syrian government’s decision to extend its authorization for the use of Bab al Salam and Al Ra’ee crossings for an additional three months until May. Humanitarian assistance through all modalities, including crossline, is a lifeline for over 4 million people in the northwest.
 
Meanwhile, violence and instability persist and hostilities are on the rise. Just a few days ago, there was a missile attack on a residential building in Damascus. Japan calls on all relevant parties to refrain from taking any escalatory actions and comply with their obligations under international law.
 
Syria deserves more attentions from the international community. While we recognize regional efforts to resolve the crisis in the country, we strongly hope for renewed momentum. Yet regrettably, there has been little progress on the political track.
 
The Constitutional Committee remains in a deadlock and hasn’t convened since June 2022. Japan encourages all concerned parties to agree on a venue as soon as possible so that we can move the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process forward.
 
In this vein, we hope that Special Envoy Pedersen’s next visit to Damascus will be fruitful. His step-for-step approach remains the best way forward to implement all aspects of Security Council resolution 2254.
 
Justice and accountability are crucial elements to achieve lasting peace and stability in Syria. We once again highlight the need to resolve the issue of the more than 100,000 missing persons, whose loved ones deserve to know their fates. We look forward to receiving more updates on the work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons to clarify their whereabouts.
 
To conclude, this conflict and its devastating humanitarian effects require our undivided attention. The region is already inflamed but we must keep Syria high on our agenda and work to alleviate the pain and suffering of the Syrian people. Millions are counting on us. Japan will work with fellow Council members to keep the spirit of a comprehensive political solution alive.
 
I thank you, Madam President.