Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Briefing on Syria
New York, 18 March 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
Let me also begin by warmly thanking you for your presiding over this meeting on this symbolic and meaningful date for the people of Syria, marking fifteen years since the beginning of the revolution.
I also thank Deputy Special Envoy, Claudio Cordone, and OCHA ASG, Joyce Msuya, for their briefings.
And I would like to thank Ms. Yusra Mardini for sharing her insights and the inspiring example she has set through her personal experience.
And I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Syria to this meeting.
Mr. President,
The current crisis in the Middle East raises serious concerns about the challenges Syria may face in the period ahead. Syria is affected by the falling military debris and the pressure of the migratory influx caused by the escalation in Lebanon. And, especially if this increases and continues, it could pose risks to Syria’s internal stability. We acknowledge Syria's constructive engagement with its neighbouring countries and encourage continued border security coordination to mitigate the negative spillover effects on Syria’s security arising from the ongoing regional escalation. And let me reiterate Latvia’s firm commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite improvements, Syria continues to face severe humanitarian needs, with millions requiring food assistance, medical care, shelter, clean water, and other essential services. Prolonged regional tensions risk undermining these fragile gains and exacerbating vulnerabilities across the country.
Against this backdrop, the international community’s efforts to strengthen Syria’s security and stability must continue and be reinforced. Measures that facilitate investment, trade, and development, including the gradual lifting of sanctions, have an important role in supporting transitional government’s political, economic, and humanitarian priorities. They also contribute to sustainable recovery and resilience.
Through participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and by combating terrorism within its territory, the Syrian transitional government has demonstrated a clear commitment to tackling the threats posed by terrorism and taking responsibility for the country’s security. And we urge the international community to further support Syria’s counterterrorism efforts, acknowledging that resurgence of ISIS/Da’esh would threaten Syria and the wider region alike. In this regard, we also acknowledge Iraq’s important strategic role in countering terrorism and preventing the re‑emergence of Da’esh in the Middle East.
Mr. President,
We welcome the steps taken by the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to consolidate the ceasefire agreed in January. The peaceful implementation of comprehensive administrative and security integration in northeast Syria paves the way for stability and reconstruction, for the benefit of the local population. And the progress achieved so far should be further consolidated and advanced, including through the parliamentary elections taking place in the governorates of al‑Hasakah and Raqqa. We are awaiting the appointment of the remaining members of the People’s Assembly. This would demonstrate a continued commitment to an inclusive political transition with the meaningful participation of women and representatives of all ethnic and religious communities in Syria.
Progress toward peacebuilding and transitional justice remains essential across the country. The report of Syria’s National Investigation Committee on the violence perpetrated against civilians in Suwayda in July 2025, and the recent prisoner exchange between the Syrian government and representatives of the Druze community, facilitated by the Syrian Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross, are welcome steps. We encourage the Syrian transitional government and the relevant national bodies to continue their constructive engagement with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on Syria (IIIM) and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP). Such cooperation is essential for enabling genuine national reconciliation through accountability for grave violations and for making progress in clarifying the fate of missing persons.
In conclusion, Mr. President,
We welcome the ongoing constructive engagement between the Syrian government and the representatives of the United Nations. We hope that the recent visits to Damascus by Deputy Special Envoy Cordone, as noted also in today’s briefing, and by USG Frazier will lead to tangible progress. And we look forward to further arrangements in the near future. This would allow the United Nations to meningfully contribute – through its tools and expertise – to Syria’s stabilization and development.
I thank you.