Better World Campaign
12/17/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/17/2024 08:43
Following the Ouster of Assad, We Revisit Resolution 2254 – And the Rebuilding of Syria
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"After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future… the future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine."
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Since conflict erupted in March 2011 following the Arab Spring uprisings, Syria has witnessed unprecedented devastation and displacement. According to the United Nations, more than 6 million Syrians have fled the country, 6.7 million are internally displaced and more than 14 million people are in need of assistance. Just as sobering, Syria remains the largest displacement crisis in the world, ranking among the 10 most food insecure countries globally.
Amid this devastating reality, Syrians have reason for hope. On December 8, news broke that long-time dictator Bashir al-Assad fled his presidential palace for exile in Russiaafter a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army.
The situation immediately shifted regional dynamics. In the days following, Iran evacuated 4,000 citizens and Russia withdrew soldiers (though is negotiating to maintain two military bases). Meanwhile, Türkiye and Qatar both reopened their Damascus embassies, with other Arab nations planning to do the same in coming days.
HAPPENING AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL
This rapidly developing situation will take center stage at the Security Council on Dec. 17 during a briefing on the nation's political and humanitarian conditions. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher will be joined by Syrian civil society representatives in open session, followed by Iran, Iraq, Syria and Türkiye by invitation (in what's called Rule 37) during closed session.
Among anticipated outcomes of the discussions is the adoption of a French-penned statement on the situation that stresses adherence to international humanitarian law, protection of civilians and the need for increased funding. Some members may also seek language calling for a nationwide ceasefire and respect for Syria's sovereignty.
STREAM ALL SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFINGS THROUGH UN TV
The Long Road to Rebuilding
As the world awaits what comes next, Syrians are focused on the hard work of rebuilding a nation wrought by 14 years of civil war. That rebuilding requires a focus on several key elements.
For Syrians and global observers alike, the question of governance is being watched closely. There's no question that the collapse of the Assad regime has left Syria's political landscape fragmented and unstable. Rebel forces - while unified in opposition to Assad - remain a fractious coalition with competing ideologies. The presence of Islamist factions such as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which seeks to rebrand despite its extremist roots, raises fears of continued instability and conflict.
For millions of victims, the process of rebuilding demands holding the Assad regime accountable. Although arrest warrants exist for Assad and others, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has yet to open an investigation due to Syria's non-membership in the Rome Statute. Just as problematically, destruction of the presidential palace raises concerns about preservation of evidence crucial for future war crimes trials. Justice may take years, but is essential to Syria's healing and democratic transition.
Critically, the regime's collapse has exacerbated Syria's already dire humanitarian conditions. Management of refugee camps and prisons in northeastern Syria, where thousands of fighters and their families are held has created a logistical and humanitarian crisis. Today, nine in ten Syrians live below the poverty line.
And then there are the very real concerns over regional tensions, like those between Turkish-backed rebels and Kurdish-led forces in the north, as well as the risk of infighting, coupled with the spread of Islamist militancy - all of which underscore the urgent need for an inclusive political process. Preventing the resurgence of groups like ISIS require greater international involvement and collaboration.
A Blueprint for the Journey Ahead
As conversations unfold about the future and the incredibly complex conditions Syrians now face, it's important to consider one framework essential at this moment: UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Adopted unanimously in 2015, Resolution 2254 provides a roadmap for post-war Syria. It calls for a Syrian-led, UN-supported political process to establish an inclusive, non-sectarian government, starting with the drafting of a new constitution. This process is designed to lead to free and fair elections, overseen by UN international observers.
At the time of its passage, ending the war in Syria - let alone imagining a democratic transition - seemed impossible against the backdrop of daily escalation in violence.
Now, however, the prospect feels much closer to reach.
Importantly, as Resolution 2254 is now put into action, it serves as a powerful reminder of the often painfully slow and incremental processes - and hope - that societal change requires. 2254 was passed nearly a decade ago with every expectation that December 8 would come. And when it arrived, a plan would be needed to ensure Syrians could take back their nation as peacefully and orderly as possible. This is the nature of the Security Council's work. To convene civil society representatives, activists, diplomats, civil servants and champions to be part of a process well before a zero draft heads to the Security Council floor and certainly before Syrians head to the streets of Damascus - all to ensure that they can soon head back to the ballot box to forge a future of their own.
So as we monitor developments from Syria, we're keeping an eye on how Resolution 2254 will and must be implemented as a tool for the rebuilding of a nation and, perhaps, a blueprint for other countries in conflict across the region.