UNHCR 92^nd Standing Committee      

11-13 March 2025

Agenda item 3 vii Regional updates: Middle East and North Africa

Statement by the EU and its Member States

Chair,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The fall of the Assad regime marks a historic moment for the Syrian people. All Syrians, in the country and the diaspora should have an opportunity to reunify, stabilise and rebuild their country. We condemn the recent upsurge in violence and we call for the protection of all civilians, including members of all minorities, with respect to Syria’s diverse cultural heritage and call for the immediate halt of summary killings of entire families on the basis of sectarian hatred. In this critical period, the European Union stands with the Syrian people and is ready to step up its engagement to support an inclusive and peaceful political transition and address humanitarian needs, and help efforts towards economic recovery, while also supporting refugee-hosting countries in the region. In this regard, on 19 February, the EU decided to suspend a number of restrictive measures in sectors vital for the swift economic recovery, reconstruction and stabilisation of Syria while continuing to closely monitor the situation in the country to ensure that such suspensions remain appropriate. Syria remains one of the world’s largest refugee crises. Whilst the country is now at a critical juncture, with renewed hope for peace and stability amid a persistent volatile situation. The EU also calls for the safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Syria given the severe disruption of humanitarian operations.

We remain committed to continue supporting the people of Syria and countries hosting Syrian refugees, including through the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan, co-led by UNHCR and UNDP, and on the basis of the UNHCR 2025 Plan for the Voluntary Return of Syrian Refugees and IDPs. It is important to continue using all modalities for aid delivery and to ensure safe and uninterrupted access to all areas of Syria, in compliance with International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law. The EU and its Member States decided to extend indefinitely the application of the existing humanitarian exemption to further facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid in the country. This is crucial for UNHCR’s ability to address the rising needs of IDPs, refugees and returnees as well as vulnerable host communities. We recognise the legitimate aspiration of Syrian refugees to return home and call on all parties to ensure the creation of conditions for an inclusive and peaceful political transition, and for safe, voluntary and dignified returns. While the security situation in Syria remains volatile and persistent challenges to return still exist, as reiterated by UNHCR, it remains paramount to ensure that the asylum space is maintained, where needed, and the principle of non-refoulement is respected. We call on the preservation of the protection space in hosting countries and the safeguarding of refugee rights, notably the right to registration, documentation, decent living conditions, improved self- reliance, and impartial access to basic services.

The EU and its Member States will continue to use all its tools available to support a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned inclusive transition, with meaningful participation of Syrian women, youth and civil society. The EU will organise the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference on March 17th in order to to mobilise international support for addressing the immediate needs of the Syrian people, in the country and in the region, and further support the ongoing transition in Syria. 

In Türkiye, we continue providing essential support to the most vulnerable refugees and their host communities, ensuring smooth coordination between humanitarian partners and local authorities, in line with the 2016 Turkey-EU Statement, according to which the host country has undertaken a range of responsibilities. The EU and its Member States support Lebanon and Jordan in providing access to basic services for refugees and host communities in vulnerable situation in key sectors such as health, shelter, protection, and education. We commend the robust coordination role played by UNHCR in Lebanon to ensure the continued protection of refugees and internally displaced Lebanese. We urge the parties to implement the ceasefire as agreed and ensure a permanent end to hostilities, and call for the full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, to enable the return of displaced persons on both sides of the border.

The ongoing violence in the Middle East is having dramatic effects on Palestine[1]refugees, who depend on humanitarian support outside UNHCR’s mandate via other UN agencies, including UNRWA, in Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. We appreciate UNHCR’s role in addressing tremendous humanitarian needs, in complementarity with other UN agencies’ respective mandates.

The EU and its Member States warmly welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, call for a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire and as highlighted by Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, the Government of Israel’s decision to halt aid  into Gaza is alarming.  In line with international humanitarian law, the EU reaffirms the urgency of full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need and that aid can be effectively distributed, including by UN agencies and notably UNRWA. We recall that the Israel is bound by international humanitarian law (IHL), including the obligation to protect the civilians. It is vital that this ceasefire deal is fully implemented to allow all the hostages to be released, and to ensure a permanent end to hostilities. The EU deeply deplores the unacceptable number of civilians, especially women and children, who have lost their lives, and the catastrophic humanitarian situation notably caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza, in particular in the North. Displaced persons should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes. The EU reiterates its deep concern over the far-reaching consequences of the Israeli legislation on UNRWA’s capacity to operate its mandate. We also express deep concerns over the escalating situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including increased settler violence, settlement expansion, Israeli military operations and increased terrorist attacks against Israel. The EU also recalls the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders, which are legally binding. All parties should fully abide by international law, including International Humanitarian Law.

In Yemen, refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers face growing protection risks due to access constraints, bureaucratic hurdles and insecurity. Mainly in Houthi-controlled areas with currently heavier restrictions, and to some extent also in Government-controlled territories. Clear and transparent communication is essential to ensure principled aid reaches the most vulnerable, especially women and girls. As the primary provider of protection services, UNHCR plays a key role in addressing urgent needs and coordinating humanitarian efforts through its leadership in protection, shelter, and camp management. We support UNHCR’s engagement and remain committed to joint efforts, including advancing protection priorities and implementing the UNHCR-IOM mixed-movement strategy. Combined, the EU and its Member States are a key humanitarian donor and remain committed to support the Yemeni people and the UN-led peace process. We also strongly condemn the arbitrary detentions by the Houthis of UN, NGO and diplomatic staff and urgently call for their immediate and unconditional release, ensuring the protection of all humanitarian workers and the continuity of assistance to those in need.

UNHCR provides crucial support to refugees and asylum seekers in North Africa. Since April 2023, Egypt has played a key role in managing refugees from Sudan while facing existing forced displacement challenges. Amid Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis, Egypt has also become the main entry point for aid delivery. We support UNHCR's work in Egypt and Tunisia. In close collaboration with UNHCR, we remain ready to assist them in their transition to a state-owned asylum system grounded in international obligations and protection safeguards. In Libya, while substantial challenges remain, UNHCR’s presence provides significant support to refugees and asylum-seekers. The EU and its Member States will continue supporting UNHCR’s engagement, including to ensure respect of international humanitarian and refugee law, and advocate for rights-based alternatives to detention. 

Thank you.

[1] This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue