First, the United Kingdom is gravely concerned by ongoing conflict and devastation within Syria and the risks this presents for the stability of the entire region. It must not be forgotten.
The regime and its backers continue to exploit this instability for their own gain. In a single attack last week, regime forces injured three innocent children in eastern Aleppo. And since we heard a lot from our Russian colleagues about the west today, let me also say that this month marks nine years since the start of Russia’s military intervention in Syria.
Since then, Russia has continued to defend and support the perpetrators of terrible attacks against the Syrian people.
And President, that violence across Syria continues unabated. This summer has also witnessed a concerning increase in Daesh attacks across Syria, made possible by the ongoing instability of a country locked in a cycle of conflict, with no resolution in sight.
The United Kingdom is dedicated to countering Daesh’s resurgence as a core member of the Global Coalition. We stand for the safety and freedom of the Syrian people.
Second, as we usher in the start of a new academic year, thousands of Syrian children are living in active conflict without access to education, a basic human right. Over 2 million children are out of school, and 1.6 million more are at risk of dropping out.
These children are the future of Syria and they deserve access to an equitable education system. This is why the United Kingdom is supporting over 200 schools across North West Syria, through our flagship Syria Education Programme.
Third, despite the tireless efforts of the UN Special Envoy, the Constitutional Committee has not met since the Assad regime and its backers blocked the meetings in Geneva. The regime has stifled progress towards a sustainable and lasting resolution to this conflict and chosen instead a path that prolongs the suffering of millions.
We urgently need a political solution to bring stability to Syria and to the region. In this regard, the UK fully endorses the Special Envoy’s efforts to implement UNSCR 2254.
