UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt statement as the conflict in Syria entered its fifth year

As the conflict in Syria entered its fifth year, UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt said:

"It is deeply alarming that the international response so clearly falls short of what is needed to end the conflict in Syria.

People are entitled to feel bewildered and angry that the UN Security Council seems unable to respond to the worst crisis of the 21st century.

It is shameful that even the basic demand for full humanitarian access has not been met. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries and international humanitarian agencies are being stretched beyond their limits.

And it is sickening that crimes are being committed against the Syrian people on a daily basis with impunity.

The failure to end this crisis diminishes all of us.

I urge governments around the world to put aside their differences and mount a new attempt to solve the conflict politically.

And I appeal for urgent steps to demonstrate that the international community is serious about accountability in Syria: to show that we will not turn a blind eye to war crimes, and that we will not fail refugees, the displaced, and the survivors."

Media contact:

• In Geneva : Marie-Noelle Little-Boyer on mobile +41 79 217 30 46