A3 Statement on Syria as delivered by Amb. Lewis G. Brown, II, Permanent Representative of Liberia, at the 10151st meeting of the Security Council held on Friday, May 15, 2026

Thank you, Mr. President,

1.   I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia. 

2.   We thank Deputy Special Envoy Mr. Cordone and USG Mr. Fletcher for their comprehensive briefings. We also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Syria and other distinguished representatives in today’s meeting.

 Mr. President, 

3.   The A3 recognizes that Syria remains at a delicate juncture as it continues to navigate complex political, security, humanitarian, and economic challenges amid evolving regional dynamics. Recent regional developments have once again demonstrated the extent to which Syria remains vulnerable to broader regional instability and external tensions. We reaffirm that a credible, inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with Security Council resolution 2254, remains the only viable pathway toward achieving sustainable peace and long-term stability. 

4.   In this regard, the A3 would like to highlight the following points: 

5.   First, the A3 reiterates its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria. We reaffirm that all actions and engagements concerning Syria must fully respect the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. In this regard, the A3 commends Syria’s efforts to avoid being drawn into the regional conflicts, and we underscore the importance of preserving Syria’s stability. We encourage continued engagement aimed at de-escalation, dialogue, and the promotion of regional stability. 

6.   Second, we underscore the importance of advancing an inclusive political process that reflects the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. We note ongoing diplomatic engagement and efforts by regional and international actors aimed at supporting stabilization and fostering dialogue. In this regard, confidence-building measures, national reconciliation efforts, and inclusive governance structures remain essential to rebuilding trust and advancing a durable political settlement. We commend the Syrian government’s efforts and encourage continued constructive engagement by all stakeholders in support of a peaceful and stable future for Syria. 

7.   Third, the A3 expresses deep concern regarding the humanitarian situation, which remains dire, as we have heard from the USG. Millions of Syrians continue to require humanitarian assistance, while economic deterioration, displacement, food insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to essential services continue to place immense pressure on civilians. In this context, we call upon the international community and donors to scale up their contributions to the humanitarian fund for Syria to match the increasing scale of this crisis. 

8.   We further emphasize the need to strengthen early recovery initiatives and rehabilitation efforts aimed at restoring basic services, supporting livelihoods, and creating conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons. 

9.   As communities begin to return, the risks they face do not diminish. Although large-scale hostilities have subsided, as we've heard, explosive remnants of war continue to endanger civilians, especially children's lives, and that is every day. We therefore call for scaled up risk education, accelerated clearance of affected areas and sustained support for survivors. Sustainable peace cannot take hold in communities that remain unsafe.
    
10.       Fourth, the A3 is deeply concerned by the continued reports of military operations against targets inside Syrian territories, including repeated military attacks. Such actions risk further destabilizing an already fragile environment and threaten regional peace and security. We reiterate that the occupied Syrian Golan remains an integral part of Syria, in accordance with Resolution 497, and we call for a complete withdrawal from all Syrian territories. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could lead to further escalation. 

11.       In conclusion, Mr. President, the Syrian people have endured over a decade of conflict, displacement, and hardship. The A3 reaffirms its full solidarity with the Syrian people and reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Syria. We call on this Council and the wider international community to remain united and actively engaged in supporting Syria’s path toward peace and stability through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I thank you.