On January 21st, the U.N envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, held a brief talk on the most pressing issues that are currently affecting Syria. In what seemed to be a brief opener before the 5th session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s Small Body, Pederson stressed that future meetings will touch upon the foreign violations currently threatening the Syrian constitution. Within those interventionist policies, he raised the concern that the current cease fire between Russian and Turkish forces was in peril if a “serious and cooperative” international diplomacy was not pursued. Pedersen highlighted that if the lives of the Syrian people are to be improved and a coherent future for the country developed then international cooperation will be paramount.   

Pedersen continued to talk about the need to create a better international engagement with the current peace process. According to him, the main focus should be to revamp both the international and domestic conditions to allow for  a successful armed conflict de-escalation campaign. He urged the member countries of the Small Body Constitution Committee to deepen contributions despite their differences, so that Resolution 2254 could continue to deliver important peacekeeping results. Furthermore, members of the Security Council must continue to pursue their commitment to this resolution that formally instituted the general ceasefire and provided the framework for a political settlement in Syria.

Pedersen also delved into the humanitarian crisis and discussed how Syrian children, women, and the elderly are those most tormented by the violent actions of foreign aggressors and armed groups. The bombings, lack of food, and forced displacment have wreakced havoc on Syrians’ life quality and peace of mind. Despite these issues, Pedersen congratulated the work of Syrian women who have fought against difficulties and pushed towards a better future for them and their families. He signaled out the Women’s Advisory Board and stated that organizations like those willneed the most support in order to fight the good fight. Pedersen concluded his speech by urging world leaders to place their hearts on their sleeve and realize the U.N cannot achieve peace in Syria on their own. More cooperation and further resources are needed.

To learn more, please read: 

https://www.syriahr.com/en/201930/ 

https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/un-mediator-deplores-slow-pace-syrian-constitutional-talks

Author: Sergio Gomez; Editor: Xavier Atkins