The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting today to address the latest developments in Syria. Speaking in New York, Switzerland expressed grave concern over the hostilities in the province of Idlib and the city of Aleppo. "This further escalation could have serious repercussions for peace and security in the country and across the entire region. It must stop immediately," Switzerland told the Security Council. It condemned the offensive by armed groups and the Syrian government's retaliatory attacks, which have led to the deaths of numerous civilians. In this context, Switzerland called on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
After 14 years of conflict, over 16 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian aid. Switzerland is alarmed by reports that recent hostilities are jeopardizing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to northern and north-western Syria. The rapid, safe, and unimpeded delivery of aid is an obligation for all parties under international humanitarian law. It is therefore crucial that cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria continues without interruption. Furthermore, Switzerland emphasized that the safety of humanitarian and UN personnel must be guaranteed by the parties to the conflict, as mandated by the Security Council in Resolution 2730.
This escalation of hostilities is a consequence of the political vacuum and the absence of a political process in Syria. In New York, Switzerland called on all parties to the conflict to resume dialogue and commit to a credible peace process. “Only a political solution can bring an end to this devastating conflict,” Switzerland stated in the Council, reaffirming its readiness to support any initiatives and to facilitate peace talks under the auspices of the UN in Geneva, as a host state providing its good offices.
