In brief
The UN Special Envoy calls for cooperation among varying factions to facilitate a peaceful transition for the war-torn country.
As Syria stands on the precipice of major leadership change, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen has voiced the urgent need for the new rulers to maintain their commitments to human rights. Speaking from Damascus, Pedersen noted that the Syrian populace is caught in a duality of "hope and a lot of fear." Calls for cooperation among internal and external stakeholders were made to ensure stability and inclusivity, particularly in a nation characterized by its diverse religious and ethnic groups.Following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime by a coalition of rebel factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the road to recovery appears both promising and precarious. HTS, a Sunni Islamist group that ceased its affiliation with al-Qaeda in 2016, is concurrently recognized as a terrorist organization by various nations and the UN. Its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has publicly stressed the group’s adoption of more moderate approaches, which remains met with skepticism from numerous Syrians who question the authenticity of these claims.Pedersen emphasized that the transition must involve a collective effort, and called for Sharaa to engage constructively with different factions and segments of society, including civil society and women. The goal, he asserts, must be to stabilize the country and pave the way for rebuilding. He noted that the international community is prepared to lend support but that the lifting of sanctions and HTS's potential delisting as a terrorist organization rely heavily on the group's actions in the coming months.In light of regional tensions, Pedersen criticized Israel's military activities since Assad's ousting, calling them "highly irresponsible" and a threat to Syria's fragile new phase. He urged Israel to halt its operations concerning the Golan Heights area, already deemed occupied territory by the global community, stating it does not need further territorial expansion.Concerns were also raised over Turkey's involvement and its backing of the Syrian National Army (SNA), which is currently engaged in conflicts with Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. Pedersen emphasized that key international players must prioritize stability in Syria in order to prevent further displacement and encourage the return of refugees.As the scars of nearly 14 years of conflict linger, the hope for a brighter future rests on HTS's ability to make genuine commitments towards justice and reconciliation. The difficult journey toward recovery and stability will depend heavily on how successfully all parties cooperate in the upcoming months. Pedersen underscored the urgency, stating that without progress, the risk of renewed violence or civil unrest looms large. There is still a flicker of hope that, if handled properly, Syria can navigate out of despair towards healing and revitalization.
