Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi, speaking at a briefing from Damascus, called for a renewed commitment to women’s participation in the country’s political transition, saying their exclusion risks undermining hard-won progress.
Sit at the table
“Syrian women have the right to participate fully and meaningfully in determining the country’s future,she said. “They have led and sacrificed for survival, justice and equality through more than a decade of conflict.”
She noted that while six women were elected to 119 contested seats in the new transitional Assembly of the People’s Assembly, “the proportion of women is inconsistent with the social and political role that Syrian women have long played,” according to the High Commission for Elections.
She urged authorities to “design future electoral processes in a way that protects their legitimate right to participate and maximizes opportunities for their representation.”
Women’s participation is not symbolic, but “a prerequisite for the rule of law and equality” in any post-conflict situationemphasizes Mrs Rochdi.
Wider political situation
Turning to the broader political landscape, the Deputy Special Envoy described the October 5 indirect elections for the transitional legislature as “largely peaceful,” although marred by underrepresentation of women and minorities and reports of opaque procedures.
She said the UN had not been involved but had “advised the importance of transparency and inclusivity”.
She also urged the lifting of economic sanctions “on a larger and faster scale to give this transition a chance of success,” and says that “monumental levels of tangible support will be needed from the international community.”
Humanitarian crisis
On the humanitarian front, Ramesh Rajasingham of the UN Aid Coordination Office said: said More than 70 percent of Syrians still need assistance, while the UN response plan is only 19 percent funded – one of the lowest among major global appeals.
Without additional funding, agencies will have to scale back by January, he warned, noting that more than 340 health facilities have already suspended services, denying access to more than seven million people.
Mr Rajasingham called on ambassadors and the wider international community to take urgent action.
“Syria has a viable path forward towards a Syrian-led recovery, supported by development partners,he said.But getting there will require decisive and sustained action from the international community. including maintaining the flow of critical humanitarian assistance as these efforts progress.”
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