UN Envoy Urges Syria’s New Leaders to Uphold Human Rights Commitments -

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen has emphasized the importance of Syria’s new leadership fulfilling its promises to respect the rights of all religious and ethnic groups within the country. Speaking to the BBC in Damascus, Pedersen acknowledged that Syrians are currently experiencing “a lot of hope and a lot of fear… at the same time.” He urged all parties, both inside and outside Syria, to take all necessary steps to create stability and ensure a peaceful transition.

Pedersen’s remarks come after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by a rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist group that has distanced itself from its extremist jihadist roots since its split from al-Qaeda in 2016. Despite this shift, HTS remains a designated terrorist organization by the UN, the US, the EU, the UK, and others. Symbolically, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has dropped his wartime alias of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani and reverted to his real name, signaling a potential shift in the group’s approach.

While HTS leader Sharaa claims that the group is now a religious nationalist movement, prepared to coexist with other factions, Pedersen noted that many Syrians are skeptical about whether these promises will be upheld. Despite Sharaa’s assertions, some Syrians remain doubtful, especially given his history as a jihadist extremist.

Pedersen stressed the need for cooperation in the transition process, highlighting that Sharaa must work with various factions, including armed groups, former opposition members, and civil society organizations, including women’s groups. He emphasized the importance of engaging a broad spectrum of Syrian society to ensure that the transition is inclusive and successful. As Pedersen pointed out, achieving a stable and peaceful Syria will require the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the country’s future.

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, who has held the position since 2018, stated that the international community is prepared to assist and support Syria’s new leadership in its efforts to rebuild and stabilize the country. However, he emphasized that any hopes of lifting sanctions on Syria and removing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the terrorist list will be contingent on the group’s behavior.

Pedersen expressed cautious optimism, noting that HTS has promised an interim government for a period of three months, after which a more long-term arrangement will be pursued. He said, “I think there is an understanding that for Syria to really be successful, we need to see a delisting, and we need to see sanctions lifted.” However, he was quick to add that such measures would not be granted solely due to a desire for positive outcomes.

He explained that the international community will be closely monitoring the situation on the ground, with member states carefully observing HTS’s actions and whether the promises made publicly are being implemented effectively. Pedersen reiterated, “I do believe that if what has been said in public is actually being implemented in practice, yes, then I think we can see the delisting and the end of sanctions.”

Pedersen’s comments highlight the critical role that Syria’s new leadership, and HTS in particular, will play in shaping the country’s future relationship with the international community. The implementation of promises related to human rights, coexistence with diverse religious and ethnic groups, and cooperation with civil society will be key factors in determining whether Syria can rebuild in a stable and inclusive manner.

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen expressed concern over the actions of Syria’s neighbors, particularly Israel and Turkey, in relation to the ongoing conflict and the fragile transitional period in Syria. Pedersen criticized Israel’s actions in the Golan Heights, stating that Israel’s continued occupation and military strikes on Syrian facilities are “highly irresponsible” and pose a significant threat to Syria’s future stability. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied and annexed the Golan Heights, which most international entities, except the US, consider occupied territory. Pedersen emphasized that Israel’s bombing campaign and territorial occupation in the Golan Heights buffer zone need to cease immediately, as Syria does not require further destabilization during this transitional period.

Additionally, Pedersen highlighted the complexities in northern Syria, where Turkey has established a relationship with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and has military forces in the region. Turkey’s support for the Syrian National Army (SNA), composed of rebel factions, has led to tensions with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is backed by the US. Pedersen emphasized the importance of stability, urging all foreign powers involved to ensure that Syria does not face further displacement of populations and that refugees are able to return home. He called for the return of internally displaced Syrians and stressed the need to avoid the worsening of the refugee crisis.

The situation in Syria is dire, with towns and villages heavily damaged by nearly 14 years of war and a population traumatized by conflict. Pedersen highlighted the necessity for HTS to begin addressing the issue of justice for over 100,000 Syrians who disappeared after being detained by the Assad regime since 2011. Without a process for accountability, Pedersen warned of the potential for anger to escalate, destabilizing the region further.

Pedersen stressed that Syrians themselves should lead the rebuilding of their country, despite the external challenges posed by neighboring nations and larger powers. While time is short, he expressed cautious optimism that if HTS follows through on its promises, there is hope for Syria to have a brighter future. However, he also warned of the possibility of renewed conflict or civil war if these commitments are not met. Ultimately, Pedersen emphasized the urgent need to initiate the healing process for Syria, offering a chance for reconciliation and stability.