EU Statement on the assessment of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic in connection with UNESCO’s mandate, 221st Executive Board, UNESCO

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union, the candidate countries including Albania, Serbia, the Republic of Moldova, and the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and San Marino.

The EU welcomes the present decision and commends the Executive Board for its consensual adoption to draw attention to the situation in Syria with special regards to education, culture and media.

It is a timely decision to support the Syrian people now in their aspiration for a peaceful and inclusive Syria, that allows for all their citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic background to thrive, especially with regards to improving the education sector, safeguarding Syria’s unique historic cultural heritage, gender equality, and taking steps towards a pluralistic and independent media sector.

The EU and member states are engaged in providing humanitarian support to the Syrian population and will continue to monitor the situation in the country closely. The EU recalls its recent suspension of restrictive measures as part of a gradual, reversible approach, on the basis of close monitoring of the situation in Syria.

The bravery, dignity and resilience of the Syrian people allowed for the historic opportunity to unite and rebuild the country. The need to assist Syria once again underlines UNESCO’s important role and strengthens the organization’s reputation to act in post-crisis situations in coordination with the wider UN system.