Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
Colleagues, this is a moment of hope and a new chapter for the Syrian people. They have suffered enormously under the Assad regime's cruel grip.
It is a moment to mourn and seek accountability for those that have been lost and a chance to ensure that the nation handed down to future generations is one built on democracy, stability and peaceful co-existence.
I will focus on three points addressing the transitional period, humanitarian support and accountability.
First, the transition period.
We cannot underestimate the challenge ahead. The UK, alongside the UN and our Arab, US and EU partners has been clear that the Syrian people have our full support as they proceed with the momentous task of rebuilding their future.
We call on the new interim authorities to support an inclusive political dialogue on Syria's future governance, protect the rights of all individuals, respect international humanitarian law and develop a process of equitable justice and accountability. We will judge them by their actions. The world is watching.
Of course, the fall of Assad does not mean that security in Syria will automatically improve. We must remain seized of the threat of a Daesh resurgence, and the UK is fully committed to supporting Syria's fight against terrorism.
Respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial for the peace and security of the region. We call on all parties to cease hostilities in Syria.
Second, humanitarian support.
This is an opportunity to end the suffering that Syrians have endured for far too long. We welcome the positive engagement that the Emergency Relief Coordinator has had in Syria with the new interim authorities.
We have seen millions of Syrians displaced from their homes, without proper access to food, medicine, basic services or an education for their children.
For those returning home and seeking to rebuild their lives, the international community must stand together to support their immediate needs.
In the past week the UK has announced an additional $78 million aid package to support the most vulnerable Syrians, including Syrian refugees across the region.
Third, accountability.
We stand with the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who were arbitrarily detained, tortured and murdered at the hands of the regime. We also remember the men, women and children of Ghouta, Douma and Khan Shaykhun, victims of Assad's horrific use of chemical weapons.
We, the international community, must continue to pursue accountability for these atrocities, including the preservation of records, alongside full implementation of Resolution 2118.
The UK has provided a further $150,000 to the OPCW Syria missions to help rid Syria of its chemical weapons stockpile once and for all.
President, as we look to 2025 and beyond, we call on the international community to come together and support Syria as it seeks the future it has waited for. The future it has fought for. And the future it deserves.
