Delivered by: Mrs. Amiera AlHefeiti, Deputy Permanent Representative

Madam President,

I thank Ms. Najat Rochdi for her first briefing to the Council since assuming her new position, and I also thank Mr. Martin Griffiths for his thorough briefing. We also listened carefully to Mr. Mazen Darwish’s intervention.

At the outset, we would like to emphasize the need for the Syrian crisis to remain at the forefront of our discussions on urgent issues. Joint efforts must focus on supporting the political track in Syria, bringing international views on this file closer together, and calling for a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Syria. These efforts will help to restore calm and create a conducive environment that encourages the Syrian parties to reach a political solution.

We affirm our support for the Special Envoy’s efforts to build confidence between the parties. We hope that further steps will be taken in this direction, and we also hope that the Constitutional Committee, which remains an essential component of the political track, will resume its meetings.

In light of the current alarming escalation, we reiterate our position against foreign interference in Syria to protect Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The increase in the number of attacks conducted by the terrorist group Da’esh in different areas reflects the continued threat it poses to the security and stability of Syria and the wider region. It also highlights the need for sustained efforts to confront Da’esh.

Madam President,

While the economic situation continues to deteriorate, most Syrians suffer from a lack of basic daily necessities and essential services, such as electricity.

Additionally, the difficult conditions in Al-Hol camp require urgent attention from the international community, especially as Da’esh continues to exploit these conditions to spread its extremist ideologies. In particular, we note the dire situation of women and girls in the camp. According to United Nations reports, 75% of the murders that have occurred in the camp this year were committed against women, with additional reports of sexual violence. This emphasizes the need to provide protection for women and girls and respond to their special needs.

We would also like to highlight the dangers that mines and other unexploded ordnances pose to the Syrian people. One out of every two people in Syria is at risk of death or injury from an explosive ordnance, which also obstruct humanitarian operations. Therefore, we need to continue existing efforts to properly dispose of unexploded ordnances. We commend here the efforts made by relevant agencies, including the United Nations Mine Action Service, in educating the local communities in Syria about their risks.

Providing international support for early recovery projects remains essential to improve the living conditions of Syrians. Similarly, it is important to ensure the delivery of unhindered and impartial humanitarian aid to all those in need throughout Syria. In this context, we stress the need to create the proper security conditions to enable the humanitarian convoy destined for Ras al-Ain to reach its destination. We are pleased that the Aleppo airport is operating again, as it is essential for facilitating flights of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.

Finally, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to support efforts aimed at finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis and to restore security and stability to the Syrians.

Thank you, Madam President.