NEW YORK – Liberia, speaking on behalf of the African members of the United Nations Security Council known as the A3, has called for renewed international commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, political stability, and humanitarian recovery amid continuing regional tensions and deepening civilian suffering.
Delivering the statement before the United Nations Security Council, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis G. Browne, spoke on behalf of the A3 nations — Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia — during discussions on the situation in Syria.
Ambassador Browne thanked UN officials for their briefings and acknowledged the participation of Syria’s Permanent Representative and other diplomats attending the Security Council meeting.
A3 Backs Syrian-Led Political Process
In the statement, the A3 described Syria as remaining at a “delicate juncture” as the country continues grappling with political instability, humanitarian crises, economic hardship, and regional insecurity.
“The A3 recognizes that Syria remains at a delicate juncture as it continues to navigate complex political, security, humanitarian, and economic challenges amid evolving regional dynamics,” Ambassador Browne stated.
The group reaffirmed support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, describing it as the only viable path toward long-term peace and stability.
“We reaffirm that a credible, inclusive, Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned political process in line with Security Council Resolution 2254 remains the only viable pathway toward achieving sustainable peace and long-term stability,” Browne declared.
A3 Reaffirms Syria’s Sovereignty
The African bloc also strongly emphasized respect for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
According to the statement, all international actions involving Syria must comply with the principles of the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
“The A3 reiterates its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria,” Ambassador Browne stressed.
The bloc commended Syria’s efforts to avoid becoming entangled in broader regional conflicts and encouraged continued diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation and regional stability.
Humanitarian Crisis Remains Severe
A major portion of the statement focused on Syria’s worsening humanitarian situation, with the A3 warning that millions of civilians continue to face severe hardship more than a decade after the outbreak of conflict.
“The A3 expresses deep concern regarding the humanitarian situation which remains dire,” Browne said.
The statement highlighted worsening food insecurity, displacement, damaged infrastructure, economic deterioration, and limited access to essential services.
The A3 called on the international community and donor partners to significantly increase contributions toward humanitarian assistance efforts in Syria.
“We call upon the international community and donors to scale up their contributions to the humanitarian fund for Syria to match the increasing scale of this crisis,” Browne urged.
The group also emphasized the importance of early recovery initiatives, rehabilitation programs, and rebuilding efforts aimed at restoring livelihoods and basic public services.
Concern Over Landmines and Explosive Remnants
The A3 further warned that explosive remnants of war continue to pose major threats to civilians, especially children, even in areas where large-scale fighting has subsided.
“As communities begin to return, the risks they face do not diminish,” Browne cautioned. “Explosive remnants of war continue to endanger civilians, especially children’s lives.”
The bloc called for expanded mine-risk education programs, accelerated clearance operations, and greater support for survivors.
“Sustainable peace cannot take hold in communities that remain unsafe,” the statement emphasized.
A3 Criticizes Military Operations Inside Syria
The African bloc also expressed concern over continued military operations and attacks inside Syrian territory, warning that such actions could further destabilize the already fragile situation.
“The A3 is deeply concerned by the continued reports of military operations against targets inside Syrian territories, including repeated military attacks,” Browne stated.
The group reiterated that the occupied Syrian Golan remains part of Syria in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 497 and called for withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories.
The statement urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions further.
Liberia Strengthens Diplomatic Visibility at UN
Liberia’s role in delivering the statement reflects the country’s growing diplomatic visibility within the United Nations Security Council following its recent election as a non-permanent member.
Political observers note that Liberia has increasingly used its position within the A3 grouping to articulate African perspectives on major international peace and security issues.
The A3 bloc often coordinates positions among African Security Council members on conflicts, humanitarian crises, and global diplomatic matters.
‘The Syrian People Have Endured Over a Decade of Conflict’
Concluding the statement, Ambassador Browne reaffirmed solidarity with the Syrian people and called for sustained international engagement to support peace and reconstruction efforts.
“The Syrian people have endured over a decade of conflict, displacement, and hardship,” he stated.
“The A3 reaffirms its full solidarity with the Syrian people and reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Syria,” Browne added.
The A3 further called on the Security Council and the wider international community to remain united in supporting Syria through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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