United Nations, December 17, 2024 – The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, delivered a significant briefing to the Security Council on Syria’s rapidly evolving political landscape, just 11 days after the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime, which ruled the country for 54 years.
Speaking from Damascus, Pedersen addressed the enormous challenges facing the war-torn nation, including ongoing violence, a dire humanitarian crisis, and the urgent need for an inclusive and credible political transition to stabilize Syria and secure international support.
Historic Shift in Syria’s Governance
Pedersen described the current situation as “events of historic proportions,” emphasizing the seismic shift in Syrian governance. Following the regime’s fall, a caretaker authority led by Ahmed al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir was installed. However, fragmented power dynamics persist, with armed opposition factions and the SDF maintaining separate control in various parts of the country.
He expressed deep concern over reports of military escalation, particularly in northeast Syria and near the Euphrates, warning that renewed violence could derail prospects for peace.
Humanitarian Crisis and Infrastructure Collapse
The envoy highlighted the staggering toll of nearly 14 years of conflict, with 90% of the population living in poverty and essential infrastructure in ruins. “Syria’s needs are enormous, extending far beyond humanitarian aid to reconstruction and economic development,” Pedersen said.
International cooperation, including potential easing of sanctions, was flagged as critical to Syria’s recovery, contingent upon progress in the political transition.
Roadmap for Political Transition
Pedersen outlined four key pillars for Syria’s path forward:
1. Preservation of state institutions to maintain services.
2. An inclusive and representative government.
3. Drafting a new constitution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
4. Free and fair elections meeting international standards.
He emphasized that while resolution 2254 must adapt to the new reality, its core principles—including a Syrian-led and owned process—remain essential.
Call for Justice and Women’s Inclusion
During his visit, Pedersen witnessed the remnants of the regime’s brutal past, including the notorious Sednaya prison. Survivors’ accounts of torture underscored the necessity for transitional justice, accountability, and the preservation of evidence related to atrocities.
He also stressed the pivotal role of Syrian women in shaping the nation’s future, advocating for their full inclusion in the transitional process. “Without women’s participation, the transition cannot be considered inclusive,” Pedersen warned.
A Fragile but Critical Opportunity
The envoy urged Syrians to seize this historic moment to build a peaceful and inclusive future, while cautioning that stability depends on addressing unresolved tensions and involving all segments of society.
“The challenges are massive, but the chance to break decades of isolation is within reach,” Pedersen concluded, emphasizing the need for immediate action to build a credible foundation for Syria’s long-term stability.