The Secretary-General welcomes the Presidential Statement by the Security Council today that aims to address the horrifying humanitarian situation in Syria and illustrates the commitment of the international community to support the people caught up in the crisis. 

The Secretary-General notes that if the commitments and practical steps outlined in the statement are implemented humanitarian workers will be able to reach millions of Syrians in desperate need, many of whom have been unreachable for months.

He also emphasises that the Security Council clearly calls on all parties to the conflict to do their utmost to end the violence in Syria, reminds them that they must facilitate the swift provision of vital humanitarian aid and underscores the serious consequences of violating international humanitarian and human rights law.