Syria: Statement on the Political and Humanitarian Situation (VTC)

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and USG Mark Lowcock for their insightful briefings on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria respectively.

Kenya welcomes the combined meetings of the political and humanitarian situations as they provide a wholistic and interlinked overview of the situation in Syria. Our statement will focus on political, security and humanitarian developments.

On the political front I reaffirm Kenya's unequivocal support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue towards a sustainable political solution to the protracted conflict.

It is regrettable, however, that a return to the discussions on the constitutional committee has gained no traction. We encourage a constructive and mutually reinforcing return to the constitutional discussions which, will be as stated by the Special Envoy, a significant door opener and will demonstrate commitment of the parties – raising the hopes of the people who have endured conflict for far too long.

As a crucial confidence building step, there is need to resolve the issue of detainees and forced disappearances, particularly of women, children and the elderly.

On a positive note, we commend the Special Envoy's continued engagements with the diverse group of women on the Women Advisory Board. This is a welcome step towards the much-needed bottom-up solutions.

On the Security situation, Kenya notes with grave concern the unabated mutual shelling and airstrikes. It is important that all parties adhere to the nationwide ceasefire, renew their commitments to the cessation of hostilities, and exercise maximum restraint. They should also adhere to their obligations under international law.

Kenya categorially condemns terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and firmly opposes any attempts to grant them legitimacy as political actors.

Kenya further notes that the interplay of foreign interests and geopolitical competition complicates the situation and only serves to derail the focus on the suffering people of Syria. It is important that the international community speaks in one voice in the interest of the Syrian people.

Turning to the Humanitarian situation, we are gravely concerned by the increasing incidences against civilians and humanitarian workers that have led to unfortunate deaths. We reiterate the fundamental necessity for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers and the need to hold to account all perpetrators.

Additionally, the fact that 13.4 million Syrian people are in dire need, is alarming. With the COVID-19 related challenges, the situation is likely to get worse.

We note from the President of the General Assembly's visit to Syria early this month, that the United Nations cross-border aid deliveries into Syria is critical and has made it possible for the UN to roll-out of the vaccines through COVAX which will also be administered through the Bab al-Hawa crossing. We however understand that the existing needs exceed the ongoing humanitarian response.

In some situations, main sources of water for hundreds of people as is the case with the Alouk water station, have not been functioning for a while. Special attention should be paid to such critical infrastructure to alleviate suffering and possible waterborne diseases.

Furthermore, we must shed light on the prospect of radicalization within camps. Kenya lays great emphasis on the critical need for the support of terrorist disengagement programmes which should be delivered at sufficient scale within the camps. We further call on countries to repatriate their citizens from the camps and prioritize disengagement capabilities as well as capacity building.

With this grim humanitarian picture, the onus is on us as the Security Council to ensure that these vital principled humanitarian operations are unimpeded so as to reach those most in need. The Government should also work towards a negotiated solution for aid to be administered in North West Syria in order to meet the voluminous needs.

Mr. President,

As the vanguard of international peace and security, the Security Council should reaffirm the Syrian people by giving them hope and an opportunity to dream of a bright future that is devoid of conflict. This can only be accomplished by working together to facilitate the long-desired consensus towards a political solution and constructive dialogue.

I thank you.