Egypt following with deep concern developments in Syria

Egypt's permanent envoy to the UN Amr Ramadan said Monday that Cairo is following with deep concern the latest developments in Syria.

The crisis in Syria harms the country's security, unity, sovereignty and independence, Ramadan said.

Addressing the 30th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Ramadan focused on the situation of human rights in the Arab country in light of the ongoing violence there.

Many people have fallen victim to the violence in Syria, Ramadan said, adding that the number of internally displaced Syrians and Syrian refugees is on the rise.

Egypt is hosting some 500,000 Syrian refugees, who kept fleeing to the country since the start of the crisis four years ago, the diplomat said.

They have been benefiting from all civil services offered to Egyptians, particularly where education and health insurance are concerned, Ramadan told the session.

He urged European countries to honor their commitments in accordance with the 1951 Refugee Convention.

This problem cannot be solved by only hosting thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing threats back home, Ramadan said.

He advised European countries to follow suit of countries neighboring Syria, which not only received millions of refugees but also secured their rights and basic freedoms despite their economic hardships and limited resources.

Ramadan also condemned all forms of violence committed against civilians at the hands of any of the conflicting parties, which include terrorist groups such as Daesh.

According to Ramadan, a political solution remains the optimal option to handle the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

This entails unified efforts to revive the concept of a "national state" that is not based on sectarian or geographical inclinations, Ramadan stressed.

Egypt stands by the side of the Syrian people in demanding their lawful rights, the diplomat reiterated.

The priority, however, remains to stop violations against human rights, Ramadan said nonetheless.

Source: MENA