Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on the Situation in the Middle East (Syria) - March 24th, 2022

I thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for their informative updates. I also welcome the Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States to this Council and thank him for sharing the League’s insights into the Syrian crisis.

Brazil looks forward to hearing the outcomes of the discussions of the Seventh Session of the Small Body Constitutional Committee convened this week in Geneva. We really hope a spirit of cooperation and commitment to progress prevails during the talks, in line with its drafting mandate established by resolution 2254.

In that regard, Brazil restates its conviction that only a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, UN-facilitated political process, with due regard for the preservation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, will bring lasting peace and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian population.

We thank Mr. Pedersen for his tireless efforts to engage key international actors and for his genuine efforts to foster trust among the parties in order to move us away from the current stalemate. 

Madam President,

The enduring worsening of the situation on the ground serves as a clear reminder that it is high time for the political dialogue to show practical results to relieve the suffering of the Syrian people. As the conflict in Syria has entered its 12th year, the protection of civilians remains a significant concern, food insecurity has reached its highest level on record and electricity provision is severely compromised, affecting basic services such as heating, which is essential during the colder months.

Brazil echoes the calls for an immediate nationwide ceasefire and for early recovery initiatives that can rebuild civilian infrastructure essential to the provision of basic services, such as health, education, electricity, water and sanitation.

We support assessments of the impact of sanctions on the daily life of the civilian population, particularly on vulnerable groups. Humanitarian exemptions for any sanctions must be strictly observed, to ensure that they do not undermine access to food, shelter and essential health supplies for those most in need.

Countering terrorist activity in Syria should continue to be a priority and we must not forget that poverty and political instability constitute fertile ground for extremist forces.  

Madam President,

Life-saving international aid to the Syrian people, especially to those living in camps and informal settlements, is still paramount both in cross-line and cross-border modalities.

Brazil underlines the importance of keeping cross-border humanitarian operations under close monitoring and of collaboration between all parties for the expansion of cross-line operations, so that they can be conducted in a safe, regular and predictable manner. 

To conclude, I reiterate that Brazil fully agrees with the Special Envoy in his understanding that a military solution is an illusion, evidenced in practice by frozen frontlines and a persistent stalemate on the ground. All parties must accept this reality and start working to put an end to this gruesome conflict.

Thank you.