Explanation of Vote by Sweden at the UN Security Council Adoption on Syria

Mr President,

It is not every day that this Council takes decisions that have a direct impact on the people affected by conflict. Today is such a day.

On behalf of the co-penholders, I strongly welcome the adoption of today's resolution, which maintains a vital humanitarian lifeline for three million people in Syria.

There is no alternative humanitarian route to access parts of northern and southern Syria. Renewing the provisions of resolution 2165 for a full twelve months will without doubt save lives and alleviate suffering.

Mr President,

Over the past weeks, we have worked hard with Council members to reach this agreement. The resolution requests the Secretary-General to conduct an independent review of these humanitarian operations. This will allow the Council to have an even more solid basis for future decisions.

On behalf of the co-penholders, I would like to thank the representatives of all delegations for their constructive engagement during the negotiations on this resolution. I would also like to thank the staff of the United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners, and Turkey and Jordan for enabling these humanitarian deliveries to take place, as well as Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and his team here in New York.

As the humanitarian situation remains devastating and the needs enormous, agreement on this resolution was imperative. Discussions on Syria in this Council are often difficult; therefore, we believe that today's adoption is a particular accomplishment.

Mr President,

For over six years, the world has failed the Syrian people. The humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate further in the absence of a political solution to the crisis. The Council must spare no effort to end the conflict in Syria. We hope that today's agreement can help build momentum for constructive Council engagement on Syria also more broadly.

Thank you