I want to say a few words about grave and dramatic developments in Syria unfolding before our eyes.
I just spoke with President [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan of Türkiye to discuss the latest.
I emphasized the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to all civilians in need – and a return to the UN-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed.
All parties are obligated under international law to protect civilians.
Now, this latest offensive was launched into Government-controlled areas by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – a group sanctioned by the Security Council - along with a broad range of other armed opposition groups.
It has led to significant shifts in the frontlines.
Tens of thousands of civilians are at risk in a region already on fire.
We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation arrangements to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions. These must change.
After fourteen years of conflict, it is high time for all parties to engage seriously with Geir Pedersen, my Special Envoy for Syria, to finally chart a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to resolving this crisis, in line with Security Council resolution 2254. It is time for serious dialogue.
In other words, restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity -- and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
Syria is a crossroads of civilization. It is painful to see its progressive fragmentation.
During my tenure as High Commissioner for Refugees, I witnessed the immense generosity of the Syrian people opening their hearts and their homes to countless Iraqi refugees.
There were no refugee camps in Syria. Refugees lived among the Syrian people.
It breaks my heart to see their suffering grow – along with the threats to regional, and indeed, international security.
I once again urge all those with influence to do their part for the long-suffering people of Syria.
Thank you.