The Syrian Negotiations Commission convened a regular meeting in Geneva on June 10^th and 11^th, 2024. As part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure broad national participation in addressing the Syrian crisis, representatives from civil society organizations within and outside Syria were invited to participate. The meeting commenced with a session featuring discussions with the UN envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, wherein recent developments in the political process and the myriad challenges it faces were thoroughly deliberated. President of the Commission, Badr Jamous, provided a comprehensive political overview at the outset of the meeting. Subsequently, a dialogue session with representatives from various countries, alongside members of civil society organizations, underscored the imperative of implementing UN Resolution 2254 for any meaningful resolution in Syria. It was emphasized that attempts by any state to resolve its own issues at the expense of the Syrian people would yield adverse consequences, given the unwavering determination of the Syrian populace to realize their legitimate aspirations.

Throughout the meeting, the Commission scrutinized reports from its committees, and discussed the prevailing political landscape. It also shed light on the dire living conditions endured by Syrians across all regions. The following key points were highlighted:

 

1. UN Security Council Resolution 2254 stands as the legitimate framework for achieving a sustainable political solution in Syria. Given the persistent failure to implement this resolution, the Syrian Negotiations Commission calls for a special session of the Security Council to address the impediments hindering its full enactment. The Commission anticipates support from allies of the Syrian people in pursuit of this objective.
2. While acknowledging that Syria remains unsafe for refugee returns, the Commission reiterates that voluntary return is an inalienable right. However, it is crucial to prevent coerced returns disguised as voluntary repatriation. The Syrian regime must not be allowed to exploit the refugee issue for early recovery benefits and political gain. Security concerns remain a significant barrier to refugee return. The Commission calls upon the United Nations, relevant international organizations, and member states to fulfill their obligations towards refugees and displaced persons, ensuring their protection and humanitarian needs are met while halting violations and measures that are aimed at compelling them towards involuntary and unsafe return.
3. The Commission extends its support to all initiatives addressing the needs of the Syrian people, advocating for a transition towards a more sustainable response that empowers Syrians and enhances their resilience. It is imperative to design mechanisms that prevent exploitation by the Assad regime, as failure to do so undermines prospects for conflict resolution through political negotiation, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The transition to early recovery can only succeed if there are independent risk assessments, safeguards, check and balance mechanisms, and fairness in distribution.
4. A safe and neutral environment must be established by a Transitional Governing Body formed through UN-mediated negotiations. The concept of a safe and neutral environment, as outlined in the Geneva Communique of 2012, is essential for fostering stability and peace in Syria. The Commission welcomes the growing international interest in this concept. It stresses the importance of safeguarding the original political essence of this concept, rejecting its transformation into a mere focus on humanitarian issues, which would jeopardize prospects for a political solution. Confidence-building measures can serve as strategic tools to revive intra-Syrian negotiations, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the formation of a Transitional Governance Body which can execute political transition in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254.
5. Addressing the plight of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons remains paramount. Failure to resolve this issue will impede peace efforts in Syria. The release of detainees, clarifying the fate of the forcibly disappeared, and achieving justice are fundamental conditions for the steadfastness of the Syrian people. The Commission urges the international community to continue supporting relevant UN bodies and accountability mechanisms in this regard.
6. Education emerges as a critical component for securing a brighter future for Syria. The Commission calls upon friendly nations and the United Nations to prioritize this issue, advocating for the formation of an international committee to oversee education standards. Fragmentation of Syria’s educational system, with each faction controlling distinct territories, implementing divergent curricula, and refuses to recognize the certificates issued in other regions. This poses a significant challenge and consolidates the division of the country, leaving millions of students deprived of education. The Commission stands ready to participate in this committee through opposition institutions, with the aim of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Syrian students.
7. The Syrian Negotiations Commission salutes the struggles of our Syrian people across all Syrian lands, including the peaceful anti-regime movement in Suwayda, which provided an exemplary model in its peacefulness, patriotism, and organization. It also salutes the resilience of our people in displacement and refugee camps.
8. The Commission unequivocally rejects the so-called elections organized by the regime in areas under its control, as well as those conducted by de facto authorities in the eastern Euphrates region, citing their lack of legal basis and legitimacy. These elections fail to represent all Syrians or incorporate separation of powers and a safe, neutral environment. Without an agreed-upon constitution and international supervision, they lack credibility.
9. The Commission reaffirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people in their quest for legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions. Urgent measures are needed to cease aggression against Gaza and expedite the delivery of relief and humanitarian aid to Palestinians across all regions.

 

May mercy and glory be bestowed upon the deceased victims.

May freedom be granted to all detainees and kidnapped people.

May refugees and displaced persons return safely and voluntarily to their homes.

May victory be achieved for our great people.

 

The Syrian Negotiations Commission for the Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces