Thank you for contacting me about Syria.
Over 13 years since the onset of conflict, it is an unfortunate fact that progress towards peace and a Syrian-led political process, allowing the Syrian people to decide their country's future, remains slow. The UK is adamant that a UN-facilitated peace process, in line with UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 2254, is the only existing means to achieving this end; it consistently upholds this resolution and urges all other parties to do the same.
The UK Government considers the human rights situation in Syria as one of the most appalling in the world, with serious violations (including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence and severe restrictions on civil and political rights) continuing unabated. Coupled with how the regime is unable to deliver a lasting peace in Syria, the UK does not consider the Assad regime legitimate. Befitting this, Syria remains a human rights priority country for the FCDO, which continues to raise such issues in international fora as part of the UK's commitment to UNSCR 2254 and respect for human rights more generally.
The humanitarian needs of the Syrian people are as grave now as they have ever been. Millions are food insecure, with children bearing the brunt of the crisis. The UK remains one of the largest donors to the Syrian humanitarian response, having committed over £3.8 billion since 2012; our country's largest-ever response to a single humanitarian crisis. This funding has supported millions of people across the whole of Syria, providing, amongst other things, food, clean water, healthcare and education.
As the conflict continues, the UK has pledged up to £150 million to support millions of vulnerable Syrians and help mitigate the destabilising impact of the conflict in refugee-hosting nations. Announced at the 'Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region' pledging conference in Brussels on 15 June 2023, this funding will enable 65,000 Syrians in need per year to be less dependent on emergency aid, provide access to high-quality primary education in north-west Syria and deliver specialised sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence services to help survivors recover.
Ministers have assured me that protecting and prioritising the most vulnerable remains a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK will continue to use its position at the UN Security Council to ensure aid access into Syria and encourage a collective response to the ongoing crisis.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.