France Advocates for Syria’s Stability and Future at UN Security Council

UNITED NATIONS – Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council on April 22, 2026, outlining France’s vision for peace and stability in Syria amidst the volatile situation in the Near and Middle East. Bonnafont commended Syria’s demonstrated restraint and responsibility, positioning itself as a crucial actor for regional peace and stability.

In his statement, Bonnafont highlighted Syria’s commitment to fostering peaceful relations with its neighbors and achieving internal peace and reconstruction. He emphasized that the nation’s efforts to distance itself from border conflicts signal a new era of proactive engagement for stability, in solidarity with its Gulf partners.

Three Key Messages for the Council

France urged the Security Council to convey three critical messages:

1. Reiterate Support for National Reconciliation

• France expressed strong support for Syria’s national reconciliation efforts, particularly welcoming the agreement between Damascus authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. This development is seen as a potential blueprint for consolidating Syria’s unity across its entire territory.
• The statement underscored support for political reconstruction initiatives aimed at upholding the rights of every Syrian citizen within the country’s diverse mosaic of identities and communities.
• Bonnafont praised the publication of investigation reports into the July 2025 crimes in Suwayda, including the international Commission of Inquiry’s findings. He noted this as a vital step towards accountability and lasting peace, commending Syrian authorities’ cooperation with the UN on transitional justice.
• Efforts to prevent child recruitment into armed conflict, through legislative amendments and awareness campaigns, were also lauded.

2. Reaffirm Eradication of Terrorism

The French representative called for the Council to reaffirm the paramount importance of eradicating terrorism through enhanced cooperation between Damascus and the International Coalition against Daesh. He warned that the ongoing regional conflict could create a security vacuum ripe for exploitation by Daesh, reiterating France’s unwavering commitment to the international fight against terrorism alongside its Syrian, Iraqi, and Coalition partners.

3. Mobilize Resources for Syria’s Aspirations

Finally, France urged all bilateral and multilateral partners to mobilize necessary resources to meet the aspirations of Syria and its people. Bonnafont stressed the need for humanitarian, development, and reconstruction actors to operate unimpeded, especially given Syria’s indirect suffering from the war in Lebanon, including a refugee influx.

He highlighted the clear needs and priorities set by the UN and Syrian authorities, reflecting progress in their cooperation on infrastructure rebuilding, reestablishment of basic services, and public action transformation. The lifting of most sanctions, Bonnafont noted, paves the way for renewed public and private investment, facilitating the dignified return of refugees and the shift from humanitarian aid to development. France expressed hope for a swift agreement on the institutionalized presence of the Special Envoy in Syria.

Concluding his remarks, Bonnafont reiterated that Lebanon and Syria face stability threats from regional escalation. He emphasized the Security Council’s dual responsibility to support de-escalation efforts while protecting Syria from destabilization attempts and upholding its unity and territorial integrity.