Statement by the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir O. Pedersen

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir O. Pedersen is deeply concerned at unacceptable violence in Syria especially in suburbs of Damascus and also in Homs. He is alarmed at reports of civilian casualties and also casualties among security personnel and the potential for further escalation of an extremely fragile situation.

He is also alarmed at reports of Israeli attacks. These attacks must stop.

The Special Envoy urges immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians, bring about calm, and prevent incitement of communal tensions, and notes and supports efforts underway in this regard. He calls for those responsible for incitement and killing of civilians to be held accountable. He calls for full respect of Syria’s sovereignty. He stresses that moving forward requires genuine inclusion and trust-building and meaningful dialogue and compromise.

Geneva, 30 April 2025