UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the urgent need for a negotiated political solution in Syria, highlighting the terrible humanitarian situation, as this month marks the 13th anniversary of the conflict in the country.
According to UN estimates, 16.7 million people, equivalent to 70% of the total population, will require humanitarian assistance during the year and around half of the pre-war population remains displaced within or outside Syria.
To worsen the crisis, a series of earthquakes hit the north of the country in February last year, causing around 5,900 deaths.
Infrastructure was heavily damaged, worsening the vulnerability of millions of people who are already struggling to meet basic needs.
Entire communities are struggling to survive, while humanitarian funding has fallen to an all-time low.
In 2023, only 2.02 billion dollars (1.8 billion euros) were received, or 37.4% of the 5.41 billion dollars (4.9 billion euros) needed for humanitarian efforts led by the United Nations. António Guterres asked, on Saturday, all interested parties to “do everything necessary to achieve a genuine and credible political solution”.
“A solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, restores the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the country, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), and creates the necessary conditions for return volunteering refugees in safety and dignity”, explained the former Portuguese Prime Minister, adding that civilians must be protected.
He also called for a strategic approach to the fight once morest terrorism, in accordance with international law, as well as sustained and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syria, in addition to urgent and adequate funding to support critical relief operations.
“The time has come for the main parties involved to step forward and meet these needs. An entire generation of Syrians has already paid too high a price,” she added.
Guterres further highlighted that arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture and other violations continue and represent an obstacle to sustainable peace in Syria.
“We all have a responsibility to end impunity,” said the UN Secretary-General, recalling that “hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Syrian victims and survivors and families are counting on this.”