United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to the fighting in Syria and for the resumption of the political process that could bring an end to the devastating bloodshed.
At a recent press conference, Guterres emphasised the urgent need for humanitarian access to all civilians in Syria and reaffirmed that a return to the UN-facilitated political process was essential to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Guterres had just concluded a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in which the situation in Syria was discussed in detail.
During the call, Guterres stressed the importance of granting humanitarian aid to civilians in need without delay and reiterated the need for renewed political dialogue to end the conflict. He also reminded all parties involved that under international law, they are obligated to protect civilians.
The latest escalation in Syria came when the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, along with several other armed opposition groups, launched an offensive into Syrian government-controlled areas.
This offensive, which has resulted in significant shifts in the frontlines, has put tens of thousands of civilians in jeopardy in an already volatile region. Guterres described the situation as extremely worrying, stating that “tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire.”
The UN chief also expressed frustration at the failure of previous de-escalation efforts, noting that despite numerous attempts, these arrangements have not resulted in a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement the resolutions passed by the Security Council.
He underscored that this failure to achieve peace had led to the current dire situation, and he called for a change in approach.
Guterres pointed out that after 14 years of relentless conflict, it is now crucial for all parties involved in the Syrian crisis to engage seriously with Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria.
The goal, he said, should be to create a new, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis, aligned with Security Council Resolution 2254.
This resolution calls for a political solution that reflects Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, while also addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
The UN Secretary-General’s remarks underscore the urgency of the situation. “It is time for serious dialogue,” Guterres stated, emphasising the need to find a way forward that respects Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while also recognising the rights of the people.
He expressed deep concern about the ongoing suffering of Syrians and the threats to both regional and international security that the prolonged conflict continues to pose.
Guterres admitted that it “breaks my heart” to witness the growing suffering of the Syrian people. He called on all those with influence, including world leaders and international organisations, to do their part in alleviating the humanitarian crisis and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The UN chief's plea for a renewed political process and the protection of civilians highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and commitment to ending the Syrian conflict.
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