Declaração da Delegação do Brasil durante reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a situação na Síria - 21 de dezembro de 2022 (texto em inglês)

December 21^st, 2022

Thank you Madam President,

I also thank the briefers for their presentations.

Unfortunately, after 11 years of conflict, the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to take an appalling toll on human life. Its scale and severity is affecting the Syrian population both in government-controlled areas, and in areas outside government control, particularly in the Northwest.

The protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, and full compliance with international humanitarian law must remain a priority. Syrian refugees and IDPs also have an essential role to play in building a peaceful and prosperous future for Syria: their fundamental rights must be fully respected, including their right to a safe and voluntary return.

Brazil believes we should avoid politicizing the humanitarian response in Syria. The delivery of aid must be impartial, non-discriminatory, and reach all those in need, regardless of their political affiliations.

For the time being, the cross-border mechanism, which is set to expire within less than a month, remains a vital component of the humanitarian response in the country. We recognize the persistence of obstacles preventing the scaling up of cross-line deliveries, particularly into the Northwest, both at the speed and to the level required to meet humanitarian needs.

The organization by the Council of three informal interactive dialogues on Syria, over the past six months, provided useful opportunities to consider the many challenges holding back progress in cross-line deliveries to all parts of Syria. We note, in particular, the difficulties of coordinating with multiple parties and authorities, for the organization of humanitarian convoys.

Albeit limited, Brazil welcomes progress in deliveries through the cross-line modality since the adoption of resolution 2642 last July. In keeping with Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, we should redouble efforts to tackle the causes delaying a more significant increase. The need to ensure transparency and accountability is valid for both modalities of humanitarian assistance.

Brazil also encourages further progress in the development of early recovery projects, without geographic discrimination. In addition to addressing immediate needs, early recovery projects can lay the foundations for alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Syria in a more sustainable manner.

We welcome the adoption, earlier this month, of a standing humanitarian carve-out applicable across all UN sanctions regimes, under resolution 2664. With regard to Syria, we understand that this resolution may enhance the ability of humanitarian actors to deliver aid in areas outside government control, including in sites where Al-Qaida or Da’esh affiliates are actively present. Hence the importance of strengthening oversight to avoid diversion.

Madam President,

Brazil reaffirms its commitment to playing a constructive role in the Syrian file. This Council should redouble its efforts to unlock the current political stalemate, in line with resolution 2254, with a view to achieving a solution to the conflict in Syria.

A true Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, without foreign interference, is essential to promote sustainable peace, while preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Thank you.