Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at
the Security Council meeting on Syria.
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.
