The inaugural session of the Assembly due to take place next week marks an important milestone in Syria’s political transition. I have followed closely today’s announcement of the 70 presidential appointees to the new People’s Assembly, who will join the 137 members already chosen through indirect elections. Each member of parliament will bear a significant role in proposing, reviewing, debating, and enacting the legislation urgently needed in this critical phase of institutional development for Syria.
The new appointments take women’s representation in the Assembly to just over 10 percent. Syria’s political transition relies on the meaningful participation of Syria's women and its diverse communities, and I urge further efforts are made to ensure that all state institutions during the political transition fully reflect the rich diversity of Syria’s society and provide meaningful opportunities for the participation of all its components.
This transitional Assembly carries significant responsibilities, including advancing lawmaking, promoting accountability, supporting national dialogue and transitional justice, and helping lay the foundations for sustainable peace and reform, including a permanent constitution and inclusive elections at the end of the transition.
My Office stands ready to support the People’s Assembly across all areas of its work as it undertakes these critical tasks in the service of the Syrian people, and in pursuit of a peaceful, inclusive, democratic and sovereign future for Syria.