New York, April 23 (SANA) The U.N. Security Council held a special session on Syria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, with members emphasizing the need to scale up international support, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speakers highlighted the urgency of intensifying U.N. and international efforts to address ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges, while advancing recovery and reconstruction across the country.
Permanent Members Express Full Backing
The U.S. ambassador said Syria is now in a markedly different position compared to 18 months ago, describing the government as a partner in counterterrorism and urging the United Nations to support its role. She added that Syria is working with Lebanon to maintain border stability, with Jordan to curb illicit trade, particularly drugs and weapons, and with Iraq in energy cooperation, helping mitigate regional pressures.
Britain’s envoy described President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s recent visit to London as a significant milestone that contributed to deepening bilateral relations and advancing key issues related to Syria’s stability. He reaffirmed continued support for humanitarian assistance and stressed the importance of ensuring aid reaches all areas safely and without obstruction, while also backing efforts to eliminate chemical weapons and support economic recovery.
France’s representative praised Syria’s efforts to combat terrorism and prevent child recruitment, saying the “new Syria” is seeking to play a constructive role in enhancing regional security. He expressed hope for increased U.N. and international support to meet the Syrian people’s aspirations for stability and development.
Russia’s envoy said Syria continues to pursue policies aimed at unifying the country and strengthening stability, reaffirming support for restoring state institutions. He welcomed the launch of the 2026 response plan in coordination with the Syrian government and condemned repeated Israeli violations, including incursions into Syrian territory.
China’s representative reaffirmed support for Syria’s integration into the global system and called for increased humanitarian assistance, stressing respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. He noted that the Syrian government has taken practical steps to implement agreements in the northeast, highlighting the importance of supporting these efforts to prevent further regional escalation.
The envoy stated that Israeli operations in southern Syria represent a violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Other Members Call for Sustained Support
Pakistan’s envoy said Syria’s recovery requires sustained international support to maintain political progress and reconstruction, while welcoming steps taken by the government to facilitate humanitarian access. He also condemned Israeli incursions into Syrian territory as violations of international law and stressed the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and unity.
Bahrain’s representative underscored the importance of reconstruction and recovery, commending efforts to strengthen border security and combat terrorism, drug trafficking and arms smuggling, as well as initiatives to protect children. He called for continued international support and urged Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory, including the occupied Golan, and to abide by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
Denmark’s ambassador expressed full support for the Syrian government’s efforts to achieve recovery and stability, calling for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and an end to all violations on its territory. She urged Israel to halt incursions and comply with the 1974 agreement, noting that more than 1.9 million internally displaced people and 1.6 million refugees have returned since December 2024, while challenges related to services and resources persist.
Greece’s envoy said Syria’s stability and prosperity are essential for regional stability, praising the country’s restraint during recent tensions and calling for continued international support, including from the European Union.
Colombia’s representative stressed that humanitarian assistance remains urgent amid ongoing challenges, reaffirming the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and rejecting any form of occupation of its territory, while calling for sustained international support to alleviate civilian suffering.
Somalia’s envoy reiterated support for Syria’s efforts to achieve stability and economic recovery, calling for Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territory and affirming that the occupied Golan remains part of Syria.
Panama’s representative said sustainable stability requires institutional support, justice and economic and social recovery, alongside implementation of the humanitarian response plan, urging international assistance for reconstruction and development.
Latvia’s ambassador said Syria is making efforts to avoid regional escalation and requires increased and sustained international support to address current challenges and advance recovery, while stressing respect for its sovereignty and condemning repeated Israeli violations against it.
Council members stressed that coordinated international action remains essential to support Syria’s recovery, address humanitarian needs and promote long-term stability.
N.J/ABD
