Statement by: Ms Yunei Kim, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the UN

As delivered

Thank you Chair.

13 years since the conflict’s start, Syrian civilians continue to endure unimaginable hardship and suffering.

Persistent armed conflict, deteriorating socioeconomic conditions, the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and violations of human rights are all of deep concern.

While conflict levels have dropped relative to earlier years, tensions persist along conflict lines.

We condemn recent escalation and indiscriminate bombing in the north-west, Da’esh attacks in the east and attacks by Iranian-backed militias against US and Coalition bases.

All parties need to prioritise de-escalation and a return to UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Chair, credible reports suggest that over 100,000 Syrians remain missing, yet Syrian authorities continue to obstruct families’ efforts to gather information about their loved ones.

This underscores the critical need for the work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria. Australia calls for all parties to cooperate fully with the Institution.

Those detained by the Syrian regime and other armed actors face harrowing fates. Australia strongly condemns the routine use of torture and cruel and inhuman punishment, including sexual and gender-based violence, in detention facilities.

Each year, the number of Syrian people requiring humanitarian assistance rises.

That’s why Australia has provided $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Syrian programs in Jordan and Lebanon.

Chair, how can States motivate parties to the conflict to re-engage with UN Security Council Resolution 2254?

Thank you.