A3 JOINT-STATEMENT AT THE UNSC BRIEFING ON SYRIA HUM/POL

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations

13th February 2026

Thank you, Mr. President,

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

2. We thank the Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Claudio Cordone, and OCHA Director Lisa Doughten for their comprehensive briefing. 

3. We congratulate Mr. Cardone on his new role, as it reflects the UN’s ongoing efforts to support the Syrian-led political process, in accordance with Resolution 2254. 

4. We take note of Ms. Muzna Dureid’s remarks.

5. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Syria in today’s meeting.

6. Today, Syria stands at yet another delicate juncture. 

7. The primary responsibility for restoring order and protecting civilians lies with the Syrian Government, underscoring the urgency of reinvigorating a genuinely Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process. 

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

9. First, the A3 reiterates its strong commitment to Syria's unity, sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. 

10. We call on all States to respect these principles and refrain from any unilateral actions or foreign-driven security arrangements that risk deepening divisions.

11. Second, we commend recent developments aimed at fostering national reconciliation, specifically the permanent ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

12. We emphasize that its sustainable implementation is critical to ensure the protection of civilians and effective counter-terrorism. 

13. In this context, the A3 welcomes the historic presidential decree recognizing Syrian Kurds as an "essential and authentic" part of the country's fabric. 

14. The formal designation of Kurdish as a national language and the granting of full citizenship corrects decades of injustice and restores the dignity of thousands of Syrians.

15. Third, the A3 remains deeply concerned by the humanitarian implications of instability. 

16. Restrictions on movement and localized clashes add pressure to an already overstretched response. 

17. We emphasize the need to maintain and expand safe, predictable, and principled humanitarian access across all of Syria, with full respect for Syria's sovereignty.

18. Fourth, we note that terrorism remains a serious and evolving threat. 

19. While concerned by reports of Daesh detainees escaping from centers in the northeast, we welcome the swift action taken to restore order and resume management of these facilities by the Syrian government. 

20. We further welcome Syria’s commitments to combat Daesh as member of the Anti-Daesh coalition.

21. Fifth, we underscore that strengthened international cooperation for Syria is essential. 

22. We take note of Daesh fighters transferred from Syria to Iraq and encourage all Member States to cooperate closely on issues relating to third-country nationals and their repatriation. 

23. Furthermore, the A3 condemns continued reports of Israeli military operations against targets inside Syrian teritories, which clarly not only violate international law but also the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. 

24. The occupied Syrian Golan remains an integral part of Syria, in accordance with Resolution 497 and call for a complete withdrawl from all Syrian teritories.

25. Sixth, the A3 emphasizes that reconciliation and transitional justice are indispensable for rebuilding a cohesive Syria. 

26. We encourage the Syrian Government to continue taking practical steps to create an environment conducive to national unity and the dignified return of refugees.

27. Lastly, the A3 calls on the international community to transition toward a comprehensive approach that supports Syria’s economic recovery, rehabilitation of essential services, and reconstruction of critical infrastructure through development support. 

28. Without these foundations, long-term stability cannot be realized.

29. To conclude, the A3 reaffirms its full commitment to standing with the Syrian people. 

30. We urge the Council to remain united in supporting a genuinely Syrian-owned political process and addressing the drivers of instability in all parts of the country. 

31. Only through sustained political will and inclusive national dialogue can Syria move toward a future of peace, dignity, and stability.

I Thank you.