Mr. President,
I would like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs ad interim Joyce Msuya for their presentations.
Switzerland remains very concerned about the persistence outbreaks of conflict and tension in Syria.
We call for a nationwide ceasefire, as advocated by Resolution 2254. In addition, it is vital to avoid regionalization of the conflict in the Middle East, given the risk of regional escalation. The time has come to relaunch dialogue and peace negotiations under the aegis of the UN, within the parameters proposed by resolution 2254.
To this end, Switzerland continues to support the work of the Special Envoy in the search for a political solution, which remains the only possible way out of the conflict.
In the pursuit of this objective, we salute the unwavering determination of civil society, particularly that of women. Whether they are ordinary citizens, displaced persons, refugees or human rights defenders, they are still threatened with repression throughout the country for their commitment.
They are also committed to shedding light on the fate of those detained and disappeared.
As we commemorate this Friday the International Day for Victims of Enforced Disappearance, we recall that the right to know is a rule firmly anchored in the Geneva Conventions. This is one of the reasons why Switzerland actively contributed to the creation of the Geneva-based Independent Institution for Missing Persons in Syria, with its eminently humanitarian mandate.
We call on all parties concerned in Syria and internationally to collaborate with this Institution. Providing answers to those who have been waiting for so long means working towards reconciliation and lasting peace.
In parallel with these efforts, Switzerland will continue its commitment to ensuring that serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights do not go unpunished. To this end, we support the work of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). For there can be no peace without justice in Syria.
Mr. President,
On the humanitarian front, the conflicts and the prolonged, multidimensional crisis in Syria continue to inflict immense suffering on the civilian population. Over 70% of the population is in need of humanitarian aid, including 7.2 million internally displaced persons.
Health needs are also overwhelming. The disrupted health system is struggling to provide vital services. 65% of Syrian hospitals and 62% of primary healthcare centers are closed or only partially functional. Combined with poor access to water and sanitation, the threat of epidemics, particularly cholera, is real. Humanitarian actors are faced with the impossible choice between continuing their life-saving interventions and putting an end to essential health programs.
The scale of the humanitarian funding shortfall in Syria is worrying. Both humanitarian actors and the Syrian population are directly affected. Syria must not become a forgotten crisis, and Switzerland remains committed to supporting people in the country and the region. For this reason, we are maintaining our contributions at a stable level, and have pledged more than $65 million for the current year.
Mr. President,
We welcome the continuation of UN humanitarian operations through the Bab al-Salam and Al Ra'ee crossings, which have been authorized for a further three months. However, open-ended authorizations are still needed to ensure greater predictability and effective programming, funding and planning. To meet the scale of needs in the country, all aid modalities - including cross-border aid and aid delivered across the front lines - are essential.
We recall that international humanitarian law obliges all parties and third-party states to allow and facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid. Thus, all parties must allow and facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid throughout Syria, while guaranteeing rapid, safe, sustainable and unhindered access to all civilians in need.
The Syrian people deserve the solidarity of the international community, and this Council must not forget their plight.
Thank you.