To achieve a lasting peace in Syria, we must empower ordinary Syrians, rather than the regime and its backers: UK statement at the UN Security Council

As we have heard today from Ms. Zainedin, there is a vibrant community of civil society actors who stand ready to support the Syrian political process, accountability efforts and humanitarian work, with dynamism and tenacity.

Where members of this Council have failed to back resolutions in the interest of Syrian people, civil society actors have stepped in, creatively unblocking issues that have regretfully become politicised.

I commend their tireless work to advocate on behalf of Syrians for a better and peaceful Syria, but particularly to lend a voice to those who cannot speak up for fear of the regime.

The work of civil society organisations, like Madaniya, serves as an important reminder of why so many Syrians took to the streets in 2011 and continue to protest peacefully for change.

Let me be clear - we remain firm in our pursuit of a political settlement, in line with Resolution 2254. We urge all parties to recommit to the political process. However, if we are to achieve lasting peace, we must make sure it empowers ordinary Syrians, rather than the regime and its backers.

We must actively involve and consult civil society, and I encourage you all to listen to their fresh ideas.

Colleagues, in the absence of a political settlement and amidst regional escalation, the security situation in Syria is as dangerous as ever. Syrians continue to experience horrific levels of violence.

As people flee from Lebanon into Syria, displaced civilians must be protected and given safe passage. Not only when using border crossings, which have been subject to airstrikes, but also once inside Syria, which remains unsuitable for safe, dignified and voluntary returns at-scale.

We acknowledge that Syrian authorities have allowed UNHCR and others to monitor arrivals and respond to needs. We are closely monitoring the treatment of these civilians in Syria including deeply concerning reports of arrests.

All parties must do everything possible to protect civilians and fully comply with international humanitarian law.

Finally, to respond to the remarks of our Russian colleague about briefers, we invite civil society briefers to the council to provide civilian perspective, to provide truth to power and to hold us all to account no matter how uncomfortable that may feel.

Representing an organisation that consults across a wide group of over 200 CSOs within and outside Syria, Ms Abou Zainedin has done precisely that today.

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