Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Over 12 years of conflict in Syria has caused severe levels of hardship and suffering for the Syrian people. Hostilities continue in northern Syria, and ongoing military action has resulted in a needless loss of civilian life. I am particularly concerned by the escalation of conflict in recent months, including by Turkish forces. This comes at a time when humanitarian needs are greater than ever in Syria. UN OCHA estimate that a projected 16.7 million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024, an all-time high.

During Ireland’s tenure on the United Nations Security Council, we were engaged on the Syria humanitarian and political file, serving as co-penholders for the UN resolution on the delivery of cross border humanitarian assistance into northwest Syria. In this role, Ireland actively engaged with international partners, including Türkiye, on the importance of extending this lifesaving humanitarian assistance measure. We also called on all parties to the conflict in Syria to de-escalate hostilities and expressed our concern directly to the Turkish government on the possibility of further military action in northern Syria.

I recognise the security threats that Türkiye faces, and am mindful of the attacks on Turkish territory in the past year alone. The Turkish government has a legitimate right to fight terrorism, but it must do so in a proportionate manner and in full compliance with the principles of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. In its October 2019 Council Conclusions, the EU called on Türkiye to cease its military action in Syria and to withdraw its forces, and I echo that call.

A solution to the crisis in Syria cannot be obtained by a continuation of military activity and must be found through a genuine political transition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communique.