The top UN official said this to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday. He said there was a real risk that current progress would collapse in the absence of an inclusive, credible and peaceful political transition led by Syrian citizens.
Secretary-General Guterres said that after five decades of brutal, autocratic rule, “the people of Syria stand at a historic moment and a moment of opportunity… This opportunity cannot be missed.”
He assured that the United Nations stands by the people of Syria, who want to see the realization of a peaceful campaign for change in the country. The movement began in 2011 with pro-democracy protests.
The UN chief warned that nothing is guaranteed at present. Therefore, a new Syria must fully integrate all communities.
“The rights of women and girls must be respected. And this process must be followed in accordance with the principles of Security Council Resolution 2254. “Our focus is to move such a process forward.”
Meanwhile, the country is dealing with a massive humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations, along with its partner agencies, assessing current needs and adapting their operations to the rapidly changing situation.
According to the UN chief, adequate aid funding is needed for humanitarian and recovery efforts, but this amount is not currently available.
In view of this, he appealed to the international community to show solidarity with the people of Syria and provide concrete support in humanitarian aid activities.
The plight of missing persons
Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep sorrow for the plight of the missing and their families in Syria. In this vein, he announced the appointment of Carla Quintana of Mexico to the UN General Assembly-directed independent agency for missing persons in Syria.
He said the international system needs to provide all assistance to ensure accountability for crimes committed by the Assad regime and protect human rights.
According to the UN chief, the conflict in Syria is far from over and the civilian population must be given top priority at any cost. Fighting continues in the country’s north, where the terrorist group Isil (Daesh) still poses a major threat.
“Large-scale Israeli airstrikes also continue. These are violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have to be stopped.”
In the Golan, which separates Syrian and Israeli troops, the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (UNDOF) is monitoring the activities of the Israeli military. The UN Secretary General said that there should be no military presence in the area other than UN peacekeepers.
A historic moment full of hope
He called for the full restoration of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying the war must end as soon as possible.
“This is a defining moment. A moment of hope and history, but also of deep uncertainty.”
“Some will try to take advantage of the situation for their narrow interests. “But it is the responsibility of the international community to stand by the long-violent Syrian community.”