Syria marked by heightened tensions 13 years after its conflict began, says UN special envoy

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - The anniversary of Syria's conflict is "tragically marked" by heightened regional tensions throughout the country as it enters its 14th year without a political solution in sight, the UN Special Envoy on Syria Geir Pedersen, said Friday.

"Syrians have long endured unspeakable violence and devastation, indiscriminately impacting the young and old, men and women, across all societal strata," Pedersen said in a statement read out on his behalf at a UN news conference.

"Syria's humanitarian crisis continues to intensify. An astounding 16.7 million individuals need humanitarian assistance - the highest number of people requiring assistance since the conflict began."

The UN envoy said more than 5 million refugees are living in neighboring countries, and more than 7 million are internally displaced inside Syria.

"And Syria's economy has collapsed," said Pedersen, saluting the "resilience and courage" Syrians show in the face of their deepening suffering.

"But at the same time, my message is clear: only the unwavering pursuit of a political solution to end this conflict can restore hope to the Syrian people," said Pedersen.

"This starts with ending violence. I again appeal to all parties to the conflict to immediately cease all violence and fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to pursue a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire."

The UN envoy said all parties must work for a cooperative and strategic approach to counter-terrorism in line with international law.

"I also appeal to all parties to the conflict to immediately and unconditionally release all persons held arbitrarily in their custody," said Pedersen.

"Addressing the plight of detainees, abductees, and missing persons comprehensively and at a scale commensurate with the scale of the tragedy is essential," said Pedersen, noting that it is vital for rebuilding shattered lives and reuniting families separated for long periods.

- Refugees and displaced

The UN envoy said refugees and internally displaced persons continue to lack the necessary conditions for a safe, dignified, and voluntary return. Their critical concerns regarding protection and livelihoods, central to this matter, remain unresolved.

Pedersen said the opportunity exists to pursue genuine steps among the various parties involved in the conflict in Syria, including in the economy, and the opportunity should be seized.

"The international community needs to unite to push for a political process in line with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), including confidence-building measures, the resumption of the Constitutional Committee,” said Pedersen.

"We must prioritize peace. If we do not do so, the grim downward trends across nearly all indicators in Syria will only continue in the year ahead. The Syrian people deserve better than this."