In Damascus, top UN envoy stresses need for credible, comprehensive, ‘Syrian-owned’ transition
The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria on Monday also called on all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians as the country grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence. out, including in the Golan Heights.
Special envoy Geir Pedersen arrive in Damascus over the weekend and on Sunday held meetings with key figures including the leader of the new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa – who previously went by the guerrilla alias, Mohammad Al-Jolani – and Mohammed al-Bashir, Prime Minister of the Caretaker Government.
Mr. Pedersen emphasized the need for a credible and comprehensive political transition process owned and led by Syrians based on the principles of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).
“The United Nations is committed to supporting all Syrians” he said, according to declare from his office.
Mr. Pedersen also visited the notorious Sednaya prison complex, where thousands of Syrians were detained and tortured by the former regime, causing many families to search for missing relatives in recent days.
He also met with the Syrian Negotiating Committee (SNC) delegation consisting of various components of the SNC, including military representatives who participated in recent military operations in Syria.
Fighting continues
Meanwhile, fighting continues in the northern, eastern and northeastern regions of the country, while Israeli forces have advanced beyond the area established by the May 1974 Withdrawal Agreement for the first time. after 50 years, is said to have carried out more than 500 air strikes since its overthrow. of the Assad regime.
US forces have also carried out dozens of airstrikes on alleged ISIL – or Dae’sh – targets of the terrorist group since December 8, while airstrikes were reported by Türkiye continues to target targets associated with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in the northeast.
United Nations Human Rights Council-The Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to protect civilians and humanely treat those who have laid down their arms.
“The interim government in Damascus as well as other parties to the conflict in Syria need to ensure that their forces comply with their stated commitments to prevent violence and protect civilians.especially the most vulnerable communities,” said Commission President Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro.
Protect evidence
The Independent Commission also emphasized the need to preserve evidence and crime scenes, including mass graves, to provide documentation and forensic analysis, as well as help ensure accountability. in the future.
Thousands of civilians died after civil conflict broke out in the country in 2011 and countless others suffered serious human rights violations and abuses, including enforced disappearances .
Commissioner Hanny Megally emphasized the severity of the situation, stating:
“Syrians deserve justice after nearly 14 years of brutal war, where almost every crime listed in the Rome Statute has been committed. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, especially those most responsible, and Syrians must take the lead in shaping the justice response and accountability.”
“Full justice for victims and survivors will certainly need to go beyond trials and they should be allowed to pursue their demands for truth, reparations and reforms,” he said. legal and institutional ways”.
Children line up to receive hot food in Aleppo, Syria.
Reconsider sanctions
The humanitarian crisis remains severe, with more than a million people displaced since late November and 17 million in need of urgent assistance. Capacity to support newly displaced people as well as returnees is stretched and requires additional support from the international community.
The Independent Commission calls on all Member States to support aid efforts, calling for a review and suspension of existing sanctions regimes to ensure they do not hinder humanitarian efforts.
“As we have seen, Sanctions cause disproportionate harm to the poor and most vulnerable, and now is the time to give Syrians a chance to rebuild their country,” said Commissioner Chairman Pinheiro.
