UN Envoy Stresses Minority Protection and Inclusive Transition in Post-Assad Era
"The success of Syria’s political transition is crucial and must not fail," Geir Pedersen

Feb. 4, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Geir Pedersen, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria underscored the importance of safeguarding all Syrian minorities and ensuring a fully inclusive political process as the country navigates its post-Assad transition.
Pedersen, who spent several weeks in Syria engaging with the interim authority officials and diverse segments of the society, emphasized that the success of Syria’s political transition is crucial and must not fail.
"He was deeply struck by the shared conviction among all Syrians he met that the success of Syria’s political transition is essential, and it cannot afford to fail," a statement from his office read.
"At the cornerstone of this, as he consistently heard from all Syrians he met, is the need for all Syrians to be genuinely protected, and for all Syrians to be fully included in shaping the future," the statement added.
Dialogue with Syrian Leadership and Civil Society
On the sidelines of his visit, Pedersen held multiple meetings with caretaker Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, following earlier discussions on Jan. 20, 2025 with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed interim president and former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Pedersen welcomed assurances from Syria’s interim leadership that the future state will be built on inclusive and credible foundations and that all Syrians will have a stake in shaping the country’s direction.
"In this regard, he sensed a genuine convergence between the expectations of Syrians, the commitments of the caretaker authorities, and key principles of Security Council resolution 2254," the statement noted.
Adopted in December 2015, UN Security Council Resolution 2254 outlines a roadmap for a Syrian-led political transition, including constitutional reforms and free and fair elections under UN supervision.
Pedersen also met with civil society leaders, religious figures, and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), expressing gratitude for the varied perspectives shared with him.
According to the statement, Pedersen will continue to engage positively with the caretaker government, monitor developments on the ground, and provide updates to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council.
His Dec. 15, 2024 visit to Syria, highlights the international community’s commitment to support a stable and inclusive transition contains all Syrian society constituents, following the fall of the Assad’s regime.