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In its explanation of vote on the Resolution 2165 on humanitarian situation in Syria, Lithuania stressed that when a government was no longer in a position to guarantee the safety and the basic needs of its citizens, it must not stand in the way of international relief organizations to do so. Over the last three years this crucial principle has been repeatedly violated, in particular by the Syrian government.

The Council should respond to massive and brutal violations of human rights, some of which can be characterized as war crimes and crimes against humanity, including by referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

Full text of the explanation of vote

Lithuania welcomes the adoption of the resolution. More should be done to alleviate the suffering of millions of civilians trapped in a vicious Syrian civilian war.

There is no higher value than human life. We all must act in order to guarantee that aid shall be delivered in a prompt and efficient manner, through the most direct routes, across all relevant border crossing points. We commend OCHA and humanitarian partners for their work.

It is the responsibility of the parties to the conflict under international law, particularly international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to protect the civilian population and unconditionally guarantee to those in need an unhindered and immediate access to aid.

When a government is no longer in a position to guarantee the safety and the basic needs of its citizens, then it must not stand in the way of international relief organizations to do so. Over the last three years this crucial principle has been repeatedly violated by all parties to the conflict in Syria, however the primary responsibility is of the Syrian government.

Today we are witnessing in Syria massive and brutal violations of human rights, some of which can be characterized as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Barrel bombings of civilian areas, starvation have become weapons in a war without rules or restraints. Denying essential medical and surgical supplies has become tactics. Every conceivable abuse occurs daily in Syria. Children, women, the elderly, Palestinian refugees, every religious or ethnic minority, nobody is safe. The whole Syrian generations are at risk of being lost.

The Syrians are waiting for our help. We commend neighbouring states, notably Lebanon and Jordan, for keeping their borders open for Syrian refugees, including Palestinians. This resolution is only a partial and temporary measure. The ultimate goal remains a peaceful settlement of the conflict through a political process.

We welcome the appointment of the SG Special Envoy Mr Staffan de Mistura. We hope that peace will be restored in Syria. Peace is the hope of the Syrian people.

The Syrian conflict is no longer a regional problem. It has become a global threat to international peace and security. The Council must not repeatedly fail to take Article 41 measures in case of non-compliance with Resolutions 2139 and 2165 by any Syrian party, including by referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.