UN Officials Call for Durable Solution to End the War in Syria
The war in Syria has been ongoing since 2011, resulting in displacement and displacement of millions of thought the country, suffering, and the loss of life. UN officials have frequently called for a durable solution to end the war.
Background of the Conflict
The Syrian civil war is generally identified by many as beginning in 2011 with the Arab Spring protests. Earlier tensions between the Arab League and Iran had caused major rifts in the country prior to the Civil War and the fall of President Bashir al-Assad’s government. Syrian refugees even before the war had reached over 17%. The crisis feeds off of sectarian divisions and persistent violence.
International Responsibility and Pressure
Since its creation in 1945, the primary role of the United Nations has been to maintain international peace and security. The UN Security Council Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, was appointed in January 2014. Since then, he has been dealing with the responsibility of finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
In 2015, after the Joint UN Envoy and the Arab League Envoy for Syria for more than a year had tried to facilitate a political transition process, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2254 calling for a cease-fire ceasefire, constitutional reforms and a political settlement.
UN Appeals and International Pressure
UN officials and leaders from many countries have frequently appealed for an end to the conflict in Syria.
Secretary-General’s Appointments
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed noted veteran diplomat and former Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, as his new Special Envoy for Syria. He replaces Staffan de Mistura and seeks to facilitate a political solution in his new role.
Special Coordinator
Jan Egeland is the United Nations Special Coordinator who works in conjunction with UN Special Envoy, Geir O. Pedersen to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the war in Syria.
The Five Requests from the UN
The UN has requested the following five items aimed at ending the war in Syria:
An immediate ceasefire implementation, Respect for International Humanitarian law, An end to the use of unlawful weapons, Respect for International Human Rights Law, and A political process agreed upon by all parties.
Member States Urge UN to Take Action
In February 2021, the Member States of the United Nations urged the UN to take stronger action to support a political solution in Syria.
They demanded that all parties, with the support of the world body, take decisive and immediate measures to implement the five requests made by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Japan and Canada, in particular, highlighted the humanitarian crisis that has been brought and maintained by the conflict and stressed the need for a political process to address the crisis.
Algeria also joined in the call for all parties to work together to bring an end to the conflict as soon as possible.
Action From Government
The governments of Syria, Russia, Iran, and Turkey have frequently suggested that they are ready to participate in a political process to end the war in Syria.
Syria has consistently been warned by the UN Security Council not to use chemical weapons or military attacks against civilians.
Russia has been accused of aiding the Syrian government in its war efforts and has, in turn, called for more direct intervention from the UN.
Iran has been accused of providing military and financial assistance to extremist groups in the country.
Turkey has continued military operations in the region and has provided some limited humanitarian assistance.
The Impact of the War
The war in Syria has had a devastating impact on civilian populations. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):
• More than 6.2 million Syrians have been internally displaced;
• More than 5.6 million Syrians have fled the country, the majority of them to nearby countries;
• More than 11 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance; and
• Over 500,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in 2011.
Call for a Global Action Plan
In January 2021, UN Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen, in a statement to the Security Council, called for a global action plan to end the war in Syria. He outlined his plans for a 3 pronged approach that includes a “resumed and fully-fledged political process, increased humanitarian access and delivery, and full implementation of existing Security Council resolutions and international law.”
He emphasized that such a plan should have the support of the countries in the region, the Security Council members, and the wider international community.
A lasting solution to the Syrian civil war at this point in time is clearly essential. Ultimately, all parties will need to recognize the right of the Syrian people to determine their own future and to live in peace, security and dignity. As UN officials have continually said, only a sustainable political solution to the war in Syria will bring a lasting peace for the people of Syria.
