Mr. Niall O'Keeffe:

I will conclude on behalf of the whole group. I again thank the committee members for their time today. In the briefing document we have shared in advance, we prioritised a number of things, some of which I will briefly mention. One relates to humanitarian access. We feel that the key priority for the moment is securing the renewal of UN Resolution 2533 which facilitates the cross-border humanitarian access in the north west.

The return of refugees and internally displaced people must be voluntary, safe and dignified. While there is a lot to be done, international funding for reconstruction must be dependent on ensuring there is a secure and inclusive environment for all Syrians in Syria.

Ireland pledged €25 million to the humanitarian crisis in 2020, which was very welcome. It is critical that Ireland continues, or considers increasing, that level of support in 2021, commensurate with the rising needs and vulnerabilities in Syria and among the Syrian population.

The peace process has, by and large, stalled. However, Ireland, through its seat on the UN Security Council, must spare no efforts in giving voice to those Syrians who are most in need and must advocate for a lasting solution to the conflict.