Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council meeting on the Political and Humanitarian Situations in Syria
27 March 2019
Please allow me to begin by thanking Ms Rosemary diCarlo and Mr Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings on the political and humanitarian situations in Syria.
South Africa remains committed to protecting the fundamental interests of all Syrian people, maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region, upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and preserving the basic norms governing international relations.
Mr President,
My delegation commends the efforts by the Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, through his extensive consultations with all parties to create a conducive environment for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned and UN-facilitated process to establish credible and inclusive negotiations. As stated by the Special Envoy in his previous statement to the Council, UN Security Council resolution 2254 of 2015 is a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring a political settlement in Syria and we call for its full implementation.
Mr President,
South Africa believes that the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue.
In this regard, we welcome the Special Envoy’s engagements with the Women’s Advisory Board and other stakeholders to ensure that all Syrian voices are given the opportunity to be heard and contribute to the Syrian peace process.
We also welcome the Special Envoy’s continued efforts towards finalising the establishment of the Constitutional Committee and its rules of procedure.
Mr President, turning towards the dire humanitarian situation in Syria; South Africa is deeply concerned about the large numbers of civilians requiring assistance in various parts of Syria. The escalation of violence in recent weeks has only exacerbated this crisis.
The situation in Al Hol Camp in northern Syria is of particular concern. In recent weeks, there has been a massive influx of people, mainly women and children in various degrees of ill health, to the camp. We call on the international community to fully support the UN’s efforts in providing assistance to all those who require it.
Mr President,
My delegation believes that many Syrians would prefer to return to their homes and cities in due course. However, it is essential to ensure that the necessary conditions for their safe return are met. We support the Special Envoy in his belief that the return of Syrians to their homes must be voluntary, safe, dignified and well informed.
Mr President,
South Africa wishes to commend the United Nations and it implementing partners for the humanitarian and life-saving assistance they continue to provide to millions of people throughout Syria. We mourn the deaths of hundreds of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this devastating war and call for the protection of all humanitarian personnel in line with international humanitarian law.
In this regard, it is noted with concern that many Syrians do not receive the aid that they so desperately need. We thus, call for the full implementation of resolution 2449, which renews the authorisation for cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to Syria.
The recent convey to Rukban provided some relief to the people who remain isolated within the area and call on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary approvals are granted for additional convoys of humanitarian aid.
Mr President,
It is essential that the international community supports a political solution to the situation in Syria as a matter of priority and the United Nations as the main channel for mediation. South Africa reiterates that in a complex and diverse society such as Syria, there can be no military solution to the conflict.
Mr President, in conclusion, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 242 in 1967, which called for the withdrawal of all troops from occupied territories, including the Syrian Golan Heights. However 40 years later, Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights in violation of this Council’s decisions. The annexation of territory seized through the use of force is in violation of international law and must be condemned. It is vital, in order to ensure long-term peace and security in the Middle East region, that international law is respected and upheld.
I thank you.
Rev. Thursday, 28-Mar-2019 9:19 AM