The UK welcomes the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2401 on 24 February which calls for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow for delivery of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, which are urgently needed across Syria, but particularly in Eastern Ghouta. Those with influence over the regime must now ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full.

The Assad regime's brutal siege of Eastern Ghouta, coupled with escalating bombardment and reports of chemicals weapons use, is causing unprecedented levels of suffering.

Non-governmental organisations, including Medecins Sans Frontieres, report over 500 civilians killed in Eastern Ghouta since mid-February, and many more injured.

The UK continues to work through the UN to support the Geneva peace process and the work of the UN Special Envoy for Syria.