Statement Berlin Conference on the Syrian Refugee Situation

Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,

Belgium applauds the courage and efforts of Syria’s neighbouring countries. We praise them for their generous contributions to welcoming great numbers of Syrian refugees in dire circumstances. My government wishes to meet their humanitarian challenges and needs.

Last Thursday Belgium decided to prolong its military operations from Jordanian airspace into northern Iraq to face Da’ech. This organisation is a danger for Iraq and Syria but also for the region and further. We are very encouraged to see such a large coalition has been formed to answer this important threat to our values and our security.

The issue of foreign fighters is of particular concern to my country. The attack on the Jewish museum in Brussels last May is living proof of how much our society is affected by events in the region today.

Though military action in the short run is absolutely necessary, Belgium would like to plead for a long-term political solution. We therefore fully support UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura in his endeavours to tackle the political crisis.

Let me remind here that the legitimacy of the Assad regime has been compromisedby its violent reaction to peaceful protests of the Syrian people calling for more democracy. We therefore support the strengthening of the moderate opposition’s role in Syria. The Syrian Opposition Coalition is working under difficult circumstances and we should commend the efforts that have been done. And we acknowledge that more work is needed still.

In the meantime however, I would like to focus on direct humanitarian aid for millions of displaced people in the region. Over a two-year period Belgium has pledged more than 20 million euro.

We finance humanitarian programmes for internally displaced persons in Syria as well as for refugees in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon with a clear emphasis on the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Our aid ranges from food programmes to providing prefabricated schools and medical support units.

Next month, Belgium will also welcome the first Syrian refugees as part of a resettlement programme and we will follow a steady growth path over the next years. Within the EU and together with third parties, Belgium remains committed to making its contribution to solve this international humanitarian and political crisis.

I thank you for your attention.