It has come to my attention that there has been an offering to draft applications for membership to the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board (WAB) along with offers to lobby on behalf of interested candidates in return for monetary payment. We condemn such fraudulent behaviour.

The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the selection process (application, interview meeting, processing, training). Furthermore, any requests for payment should be refused and reported to the United Nations for its information.

I can also assure candidates seeking to join the WAB that the selection committee will not be subject to any undue attempts to influence the selection process. The selection committee will be guided by clear criteria for shortlisting candidates that was listed in the initial call for applications as well as performance of short-listed candidates in interviews that will be conducted by the selection committee. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the more than eighty women who have thus far applied for WAB membership. I am delighted to report that we have received applications from across Syria as well as from Syrians residing abroad. 

I do look forward to receiving further applications.