United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Mr. Geir O. Pedersen Appoints Mona Rishmawi of Jordan as Head of Damascus Office for United Nations Special Envoy for Syria

On 6 September 2022, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Mr. Geir O. Pedersen announced the appointment of Ms. Mona Rishmawi of Jordan as the head of the Envoy’s office in Damascus. She started her work on 1 October 2022.

Ms. Rishmawi brings to the post a wealth of experience within the UN and beyond. She has more than 20 years of UN experience, and served as the Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch in the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

She has held several roles with OHCHR, including Senior Legal and Policy Advisor to the High Commissioner.  Ms. Rishmawi was also the Senior Human Rights and Gender Advisor to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq.

She participated in 2015 peace negotiations (South Sudan), advanced human rights in the context of democratic and political transitions (Maldives), advised on transitional justice (Burundi, Sri Lanka and Tunisia), and supported institution building and constitutional reform in several countries (Iraq, Libya and Somalia)