UNHCR 95th Standing Committee - Statement by the EU and its Member States - Agenda item 3 (a) Regional updates: Middle East and North Africa

UNHCR 95th Standing Committee - Statement by the EU and its Member States - Agenda item 3 (a) Regional updates: Middle East and North Africa

UNHCR 95^th Standing Committee

24-26 March 2026

Agenda item 3 (a) Regional updates: Middle East and North Africa

Statement by the EU and its Member States

Chair,

I am honoured to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The European Union follows developments in the Middle East with utmost concern. We call for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and full respect of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law. The Middle East stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war, with the already high number of those forcibly displaced increasing even further and placing additional strain on the humanitarian conditions in the region.

The collapse of the Assad regime represents a defining juncture for Syria. The country's transition faces the challenges of security, economic stability and the long-term recovery besides the fallout of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over 1.4 million refugees have come back from neighbouring states since late 2024 - alongside more than 1.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have returned to their homes or places of choice. The EU remains committed to helping the Syrian transitional authorities create the conditions for safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable returns to Syria and stands ready to support those who voluntarily wish to return.

The EU will continue to stand by Syrians inside the country and refugees across the region, mobilising sustained support for humanitarian action, recovery, reconstruction and durable solutions for the protracted displacement of Syrians. Our joint engagement should be coordinated and align as much as possible to Syrian Transitional Authorities' priorities, including to support IDPs, dignified and sustainable returns and reintegration. We reiterate our support for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria and underline the importance of protecting the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination.

The EU condemns all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the whole Occupied Palestinian Territory. We stress the need for rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza. We call on all parties to facilitate full and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip to respond to the urgent needs of the population, and urge for aid to be effectively distributed in accordance with international law. The European Union stands ready to work on the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict in accordance with UNSCR 2803. The EU also strongly condemns the further escalation, following massive increase in settler violence against Palestinian civilians, and the policies and threats of intimidation, forcible displacement, and annexation, in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as the terrorist attacks against Israel. The EU stresses the essential role of the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population, both in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the wider region. The EU calls on Israel not to implement the NGO registration law in its current form.

The EU is deeply concerned about the escalating hostilities in Lebanon and their severe and deadly impact on civilians, including large-scale internal displacement as well as important cross-border population flows. The EU calls for de-escalation, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as respect for international law, including international humanitarian law. The EU reiterates its call on all parties to respect and implement the terms of the 27 November 2024 ceasefire agreement and for the full implementation of UNSCR 1701. We strongly condemn Hezbollah's decision to attack Israel in support of Iran and urge it to stop immediately. We call on Israel to refrain from further escalation through air or land operations and to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU will continue to support UNHCR in delivering life-saving assistance and ensuring sustained protection for those forcibly displaced, and we will draw on its emergency reserves to assist the affected civilian population.

In Lebanon and Jordan, the EU and its Member States will continue to support the critical access to health, shelter, education, water and sanitation for refugees and vulnerable host communities as well as self-reliance and durable solutions for refugees, including support to returns. We encourage such close engagement on voluntary, safe and dignified returns to Syria with the authorities in all host countries in the region.

The European Union remains committed to its partnership with Türkiye, in addressing refugee and migrant flows. We continue supporting vulnerable refugees and host communities, ensuring coordination between humanitarian partners and local authorities, in line with the 2016 EU-Türkiye Statement and according to which the host country has undertaken a range of responsibilities. The EU support focuses on providing access to services for persons in the most vulnerable situations in the areas of education, health, protection, livelihoods, municipal infrastructure and migration governance. In collaboration with UNHCR Türkiye, the EU is also strengthening protection measures for voluntary returns to Syria in line with international standards.

In Yemen, refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas, face rising protection risks, with severely restricted access to health, documentation, and legal assistance. Urgent action is needed to ensure lifesaving aid reaches persons in the most vulnerable situations, particularly women and girls. The EU fully supports the UNHCR-IOM Route-Based approach to mixed movements. We remain committed to humanitarian assistance and the UN-led peace process, and condemn the arbitrary detention of humanitarian and diplomatic staff, calling for their immediate release to safeguard aid delivery.

Finally, turning to North Africa, since April 2023, Egypt has been hosting a significant number of refugees from Sudan. We fully support UNHCR's work in the region and stand ready to assist Egypt's transition to a state-led asylum system, aligned with international protection standards. In Libya, while substantial challenges remain, UNHCR's is an essential partner on the ground, providing significant support to refugees and asylum-seekers. The EU will continue supporting UNHCR's engagement, enhancing the respect for international humanitarian and refugee law and durable solutions for the refugees in the country. A sustainable political solution and the reunification of all institutions, including the government, are also essential to ensure better support to refugees through institutionalized and well-established policies.

Thank you.