\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s early days,\u201d Geir Pedersen said referring to the dramatic events of less than two weeks ago that ended decades of dictatorship.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I think it is important to say that there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n He emphasised any transition must align with UN Security Council resolution 2254, which calls for a new constitution, free and fair elections, and a Syrian-led, inclusive political process.<\/p>\n Mr. Pedersen reiterated the UN\u2019s commitment to supporting the people of Syria in achieving these goals, while also acknowledging the significant challenges ahead.<\/p>\n He pointed to the volatile situation in parts of the country, particularly the northeast, where the ceasefire was recently extended.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is stability in Damascus, but there are challenges in some areas<\/strong>,\u201d he noted, expressing also the difficult economic situation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need immediate humanitarian assistance, but we also need to make sure that Syria can be rebuilt, that we can see economic recovery and that we can hopefully see the beginning where we start the process to end sanctions.\u201d<\/p>\n Members of the UN Security Council also highlighted the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process based on resolution 2254 (2015) that is facilitated by the United Nations.<\/p>\n In a press statement issued late on Tuesday, ambassadors reaffirmed their strong commitment to Syria\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity while urging all nations to respect these principles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cThey also underlined the need for Syria and its neighbours to mutually refrain from any action or interference that could undermine each other\u2019s security,<\/strong>\u201d the statement noted, emphasising the need to combat terrorism and prevent extremist groups like ISIL\/Da\u2019esh from regaining a foothold in the country \u2013 where they have been active for years.<\/p>\n Council members also reiterated the obligation to respect human rights, including the right to seek justice, and international humanitarian law in all circumstances.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis remains dire in the country, particularly for children.<\/p>\n According to the UN Children\u2019s Fund (UNICEF), more than 7.5 million children require humanitarian assistance<\/strong>, including 6.4 million children who are in urgent need of urgent protection from forced labour, early marriage and recruitment into armed groups.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter 14 years of war, millions of children have known nothing but conflict, forcing them to grow up far too quickly<\/strong>,\u201d Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Director for Middle East and North Africa said.<\/p>\n He underscored the need for a large-scale social protection scheme to prevent the most vulnerable and their families from falling deeper into extreme poverty, as the prices of fuel, bread and basic goods continue to rise.<\/p>\n The healthcare system also remains fragile, with nearly 40 per cent of health facilities non-functional. Additionally, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to pose a deadly risk, claiming the lives of at least 11 children in the past week alone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Mr. Beigbeder called on all parties and the international community to take four critical steps, starting with resumption of vital public services.<\/p>\n All possible actions must be taken to allow robust humanitarian response and economic recovery, engaging both public and private sectors, he said, alongside massively scaling up humanitarian assistance.<\/p>\n \u201cAll parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure the protection of civilians at all times<\/strong>,\u201d Mr. Beigbeder stressed.<\/p>\n In parallel, the UN and partners continue efforts to provide families across Syria with vital assistance, despite access challenges.<\/p>\n The UN refugee agency, UNHCHR, is supporting refugees and displaced people, providing protection services, emergency cash assistance, core relief items, access to safe shelter, healthcare and psychosocial support, in coordination with authorities.<\/p>\n UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, currently on a mission in the country, reiterated the Organization\u2019s commitment to providing life-saving aid to affected communities.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, he visited Homs and Aleppo, where he highlighted the resilience of local communities, UN Spokesperson St\u00e9phane Dujarric said during his daily briefing in New York.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring his meetings with community members, he emphasized that the UN will continue to support the people of Syria and scale up our humanitarian response,\u201d Mr. Dujarric told reporters.<\/p>\n Mr. Fletcher also heard from women heads of households how humanitarian organizations have supported them and their families and how funding for these projects needs to be sustained.<\/p>\nPledge of full support<\/h2>\n
Syrian-led political process vital: Security Council<\/h2>\n
Grim picture for children<\/h2>\n
Call to action<\/h2>\n
Restoring safety\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Relief efforts continue<\/h2>\n
Women\u2019s role crucial<\/h2>\n