EU and UN Unite for Syria at Ninth Brussels Conference

The Ninth Brussels Conference, titled “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” will focus on supporting the Syrian people’s transition after the fall of the Assad regime. The European Union and the United Nations prioritize mobilizing international assistance and reinforcing coordinated responses to meet humanitarian needs. The EU has committed over €30 billion since 2011, making it the largest donor in the Syrian crisis, and continues to work alongside UN initiatives to ensure justice and facilitate refugee returns.

The Ninth Brussels Conference, titled “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” will take place on 17 March, hosted by the European Union. This event aims to showcase the EU’s commitment to the Syrian people during a transformative era marked by the fall of the Assad regime, which presents an opportunity for Syrians to influence their own future.

The conference’s primary goal is to garner international support for Syria’s ongoing transition and facilitate pledges for humanitarian and non-humanitarian aid. The focus is on continued assistance for those in Syria and in neighboring host countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, Egypt, and Iraq, ensuring a comprehensive response to both immediate and long-standing needs.

The collaboration between the EU and the UN remains essential in addressing the Syrian crisis. The EU is dedicated to a Syrian-led political resolution in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué. They work closely with regional partners and Syrian civil society to support the UN-led Geneva process.

Since the onset of the conflict in 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilized over €30 billion to assist those impacted by the war, establishing themselves as the largest global donor in this crisis. Their support encompasses humanitarian aid, stabilization, and resilience-building activities within Syria and in neighboring regions.

Moreover, the EU and UN efforts are directed towards managing the displacement crisis, ensuring that refugee returns are conducted on a voluntary, safe, and dignified basis, as per UNHCR standards. The EU advocates for initiatives that enable humanitarian organizations to monitor return conditions adequately and to provide vital services.

In alignment with UN goals for justice and accountability, the EU supports various mechanisms, including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) and the UN Commission of Inquiry. The EU also promotes the UN initiative focused on clarifying the fate of missing persons in Syria, aiming for lasting justice and reconciliation.

Further demonstrating its commitment, the EU will facilitate a civil society event in Damascus later this year, maintaining ongoing engagement with Syrian communities and stakeholders. Additionally, a senior-level workshop titled “How to ensure coordinated international support to Syria’s socio-economic recovery?” will be hosted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf on 18 March, aiming to tackle socio-economic recovery challenges and job creation in Syria.

The forthcoming Ninth Brussels Conference represents a pivotal opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to supporting Syria during this transitional phase. The collaborative efforts of the EU and UN to provide humanitarian aid and facilitate a Syrian-led political resolution will be crucial in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for Syria. By mobilizing support and addressing the pressing needs of both displaced citizens and those remaining within Syria, the conference seeks to lay the foundation for long-term recovery and stability.

Original Source: unric.org