UNHCR 95th Standing Committee – Statement by the EU and its Member States – Agenda item 3 (a) Regional updates: Middle East and North Africa
Chair, I am honoured to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The European Union follows developments in the Middle East with utmost concern. We call for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and full respect of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law. The Middle East stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war, with the already high number of those forcibly displaced increasing even further and placing additional strain on the humanitarian conditions in the region. The collapse of the Assad regime represents a defining juncture for Syria. The country’s transition faces the challenges of security, economic stability and the long-term recovery besides the fallout of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over 1.4 million refugees have come back from neighbouring states since late 2024 - alongside more than 1.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have returned to their homes or places of choice. The EU remains committed to helping the Syrian transitional authorities create the conditions for safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable returns to Syria and stands ready to support those who voluntarily wish to return.
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