The FDFA is very concerned by the ongoing hostilities in the province of Idlib and the serious impact this is having on the civilian population. According to the UN, since the start of the new offensive in north-western Syria in December 2019, dozens of civilians have been killed and more than 350,000 people have been displaced.
Switzerland calls on all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law. This also means facilitating rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need, including cross-border help, which the FDFA considers to be one of the key ways to continue providing assistance.
The FDFA also calls on all parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table and bring the fighting to an immediate halt. Furthermore, a de-escalation zone in Idlib must be secured. Only a political solution can put an end to the suffering of the Syrian people and lead to a lasting peace that guarantees the rights of all Syrians. A political solution must be found through the peace process under the aegis of the United Nations in Geneva, which the FDFA actively supports.
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
