Written question asked by Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 13 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 October 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Syria: Demonstrations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to provide support for (a) victims of the violence and (b) protesters in Suwayda in Syria.

Answer: The FCDO is following the protests in Suweida closely. The UK's permanent representative to the UN drew global attention to the protestors' cause in the UK's statement to the UN Security Council on 27 September. We condemned the regime's use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and demanded Damascus' adherence to international human rights standards. We will continue to monitor the situation and urge the regime to treat protestors with dignity respect. It is vital that Assad heed their calls for regime participation in the political process established by UNSCR 2254.

Secondary information