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, 15 May 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
Let me thank the Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, and the Under-Secretary-General, Tom Fletcher, for their briefings.
I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic and representatives of Türkiye and Libya to today’s meeting.
The ongoing engagement between the UN and the Syrian transitional government is encouraging and we are hopeful that Mr Cordone’s upcoming visit to Damascus next week will be productive, including on the relocation of the Special Envoy’s office in the nearest future.
Mr. President,
One year after its formation, the Syrian transitional government is resolutely restoring the country’s place on the global stage and making every effort to revive its economy. The consolidation of Syria’s internal stability, alongside efforts to shield the country from the looming threats arising from regional tensions, will remain essential to sustain future progress. Continued and increased international support is needed to assist Syria on its path toward recovery and development.
Against this backdrop, I would like to underline the following points:
First, regional peace and security are essential for the reconstruction process in Syria to take place. In this regard, we welcome the deepening relations between Syria and Lebanon, which are evolving beyond cooperation in the field of border security to include economic cooperation, energy, and transport. The recent visit of Lebanon’s Prime Minister to Damascus is an encouraging sign of the normalization of neighborly relations.
In a broader geographical context, we support strengthening the relations between the EU and Syria that were re-launched this week through the first High-Level Political Dialogue and earlier in April with President’s Sharaa participation in the infromal meeting of the European Council. The full resumption of the EU and Syria Cooperation Agreement and further lifting of sectoral sanctions will create new avenues for engagement and will contribute to an inclusive Syrian‑led transition.
The situation in the Syrian Golan remains concerning. The Security Council resolutions and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement must be implemented. We welcome the US mediation efforts aimed at reaching mutually acceptable security arrangements and call on both Israel and Syria to engage in them.
Second, further steps are necessary to advance Syria's political transition, promote inclusive governance, and ensure the effective work of judicial mechanisms. We look forward to the People’s Assembly beginning its work once members from the north-eastern governorates have been elected and the remaining members appointed by the President.
We expect the Syrian transitional authorities to prioritize the meaningful participation of women and the representation of all ethnic and religious communities in the legislative body.
We recognise the progress in advancing transitional justice. The ongoing arrests and trials of the former Assad regime officials, involved in the violent repression of Syrians during the revolution and the decade after, mark the beginning of an important chapter in national reconciliation. A comprehensive and transparent process must be provided to assure the Syrian population that accountability and the rule of law are at the core of the new Syria.
Third, it is essential that the transitional government takes concrete steps to embed the Women, Peace and Security agenda into national legislation and transitional justice efforts. The inclusion of provisions guaranteeing women’s rights in the 2025 Constitutional Declaration provides an important foundation that should guide the development of future constitutional documents. Legislative reforms are needed to eliminate legal discrimination against women.
During the years of the revolution, more than 11,500 incidents of sexual violence against women were documented, with reports indicating that the Assad regime was responsible for the majority of these violations. Justice delayed does not have to mean justice denied, and it is vital that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence finally gain access to credible investigations, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition. Taking these steps would demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability and to building a future in which women’s rights and safety are fully protected.
In this regard, we also encourage the Syrian authorities to advance the adoption of a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which would provide a clear framework for the implementation of the agenda and ensure that commitments translate into measurable progress for women and girls.
In conclusion, Mr. President,
I would like to acknowledge many positive steps taken in restoring Syria’s international ties and improving the functioning of the state institutions and internal security. But, it will take time and further efforts to heal Syria’s social fabric, deeply wounded by years of conflict and repressive rule. Continued international solidarity, with a strong focus on recovery and reconstruction, remains crucial in helping Syria move toward stability, dignity, and enduring peace. Latvia remains committed to this.
I thank you.