It is fourteen years since Syrians took to the streets in peaceful protest, demanding dignity, freedom, and a better future. Their calls resonated across the country, sparking a movement that would shape Syria’s history.

 What began as a plea for reform was met with staggering brutality, leading to one of the most harrowing conflicts of our time. The conflict exposed the darkest depths of human cruelty. Families continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, communities remain fractured, millions remain uprooted from their homes, and far too many persist in their search for the missing. The pain and sacrifices of the Syrian people must never be forgotten.

Yet the resilience of Syrians and their pursuit of justice, dignity, and peace endure. And they now deserve a transition that is worthy of this. More than three months since the fall of the Assad regime, Syria now stands at a pivotal moment. Syrians have experienced emotions of great hopes in these times – but also of deep fears. Renewed fighting following attacks against the caretaker authorities, and appalling violence perpetrated against civilians, have given rise to grave concerns about the future.

The Special Envoy calls for an immediate end to all violence and for protection of civilians in accordance with international law. He calls for a credible independent investigation into the recent killings and violence, and for the full cooperation of the caretaker authorities with the United Nations in this regard. A climate of distrust and fear could endanger the entire transition.  Building on and beyond the recent National Dialogue, it is vital that there are concrete actions of genuine inclusion. 

The recent agreements reached between the caretaker authorities and the SDF are a positive reminder of how important it is that Syria comes together in a manner that truly restores its sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, and also on the need for genuine inclusion and compromise in the transition. And Syrian civil society continues to play a crucial role in local dialogues and vital peacebuilding efforts.

The Special Envoy notes that the caretaker authorities have issued a Constitutional Declaration. He hopes this will move Syria toward restoring the rule of law and promoting an orderly inclusive transition.

Now is the time for bold moves to create a genuinely credible and inclusive transitional government and legislative body; a constitutional framework and process to draft a new constitution for the long term that is credible and inclusive too; and genuine transitional justice. The United Nations stands ready to work on these and all other aspects of a political transition in cooperation with the caretaker authorities and all Syrians and in line with the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). We will continue to stress the importance of Syrian women’s full political inclusion in the institutions of the transition.

The United Nations will also continue to appeal for the international community to support Syria too. All states should respect the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, and not take steps to interfere or make the transition more difficult. And sanctioning and donor states should make the necessary moves to ensure an environment in which the transition can succeed.

After five decades of one-man rule and fourteen years of conflict, we need to ensure a stable and prosperous Syria in which Syrians can realize their legitimate aspirations.