The United Nations salutes the steadfastness and courage of the Syrian people and affirms its commitment to working to make the transition a success

Antonio Guterres said – in a statement issued on Sunday evening – that what awaits Syria goes far beyond a mere political transition. “It is an opportunity to rebuild destroyed societies, heal deep divisions, and build a homeland in which every Syrian, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation, can live in security, equality and dignity.”

He stressed the United Nations’ full commitment to working with the Syrians to make this transition a success, saying, “The challenges are great but not insurmountable. The past year has shown that real change is possible when the Syrians are empowered and supported to lead the transition themselves.”

The Secretary-General pointed out that communities across Syria are working today effectively to form the institutions and governing structures that will determine their future, and Syrian women continue to lead the march in order to obtain their rights and achieve justice and equality.

An invitation to the international community

While humanitarian needs in the country remain enormous, the Secretary-General noted progress in restoring basic services, expanding humanitarian access and creating avenues for the return of refugees and displaced persons. Efforts are also being made to establish transitional justice mechanisms, while expanding civic engagement will contribute to laying the foundations for an inclusive and accountable Syria.

António Guterres called on the international community to stand strongly behind this transition, under Syrian leadership and ownership, by ensuring respect for Syria’s sovereignty, removing obstacles to reconstruction, financing humanitarian appeals, promoting economic development, and ensuring that the transition achieves tangible benefits for Syrians on the ground.

He concluded his statement by saying: “On this anniversary, we stand united in our goal to build the foundations of peace and prosperity and renew our commitment to a free, sovereign, unified and inclusive Syria.”

The fall of the Assad regime opened the way for efforts to achieve justice

president The international, impartial and independent mechanism to investigate serious crimes in SyriaRobert Beatty said that the fall of the Assad regime opened the way for efforts to achieve justice that had long faced obstacles, noting that the mechanism intensified efforts over the past year to preserve, enhance and analyze information, which is essential information for current and future actions, “and we continue to be our central repository of information and evidence of growth, which strengthens the foundation necessary to advance the path of comprehensive accountability.”

He continued, saying: “Since we began our work, we have supported 255 investigations and received more than 530 requests for assistance from jurisdictions around the world.”

An important and welcome development

Robert Beatty described The establishment of the Syrian National Committees for Transitional Justice and Missing Persons this year is an important and serious development that deserves to be welcomed. “Although many critical questions remain about the form and scope of transitional justice in Syria.”

Betty pointed to the many challenges facing Syria, including building the confidence of the Syrian people through fair and effective responses to the crimes committed since December 8. However, he stressed that “the opportunities available to us today did not exist a year ago, and transforming these opportunities into tangible results will require a continuous and firm commitment from all actors, both Syrian and international.”

An arduous task that requires support and patience

As for Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria She congratulated the Syrian people on the many steps taken to address crimes, violations and attacks committed over the past decades, including the establishment of national bodies concerned with transitional justice and missing persons.

The committee described the transitional phase in Syria as “fragile.” While many across the country celebrate this anniversary, “others currently fear for their security, and many will be forced to sleep in tents again this winter. The unknown fate of thousands of people who were forcibly disappeared remains an open wound. Overcoming the horrific legacy of 14 years of war and massive destruction, as well as addressing the violence that followed December 8, will require a lot of strength, support and patience,” according to a statement issued by the committee on Sunday.

In this context, the Committee recalled the feeling of hope and optimism for a new future in December 2024, and called on all Syrians and the international community to work together to confront these challenges head-on.

More later….