Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, on Syria - April 27th, 2023

Mister President,

Brazil thanks the Special Envoy, Mr. Pedersen, and OCHA Director of the Humanitarian Financing and Resource Mobilization Division, Ms. Lisa Doughten, for their briefings and updates.

On the humanitarian file, Brazil aligns itself with the intervention delivered by the representative of Switzerland in the name of the “co-penholders”. I now speak in national capacity regarding the political aspects of the conflict.

Mister President,

Brazil remains deeply concerned with the overall situation in Syria. We are appalled by the fact that hostilities continue, especially in the northeast, causing suffering to civilians, exposing them to death and injury and further displacement even in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes. Brazil echoes the Secretary General's calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintain the agreed-upon ceasefires. All attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must immediately cease in accordance with international humanitarian law.

As the Secretary General points out in his latest report, the situation in Al-Hol and other camps in the north-east of Syria remain tragic. We echo, in this regard, the SG’s call to support the voluntary return of residents of those camps to areas of their choosing, in safety and dignity.

Brazil firmly believes that only a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process will lead to a lasting political resolution to this long-lasting conflict. Resolution 2254 (2015) provides a roadmap that could pave the way to sustainable peace, restoring Syria’s unity and sovereignty. We thank the Special Envoy for the efforts put forward to promote the implementation of its provisions including the continuous engagement with key stakeholders.

Reestablishing the path for genuine dialogue among the parties is key, and that includes reconvening the Small Body of the Constitutional Committee. Brazil nonetheless agrees with Mr. Pedersen’s assessment that counting formal meetings is not enough. We need renewed political will. If the Small Body resume its activities it should be to genuinely engage in bridging differences and working towards results conducive to peace, stability and reconciliation. Concrete outcomes are long awaited. We note with appreciation that the Special Envoy continues to promote Syrian-Syrian dialogue through the Women’s Advisory Board and the Syrian Civil Society Support Room.

In this latest report, the Secretary-General states the hope that the support and attention in the aftermath of the earthquakes be channeled into renewed energy and meaningful progress on the political track to address the fundamental issues driving the conflict.

That is also our hope. Brazil believes that the collaboration seen in the aftermath of the earthquakes, including within the regional arena, demonstrates that a way forward is possible. We expect that the current dynamics in the region will contribute positively to Syria’s stability.

And I thank you.