Najat Rochdi, Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria. Syria: A Chance to Escape from Darkness to Light Peace and Security
Syria today stands on the threshold of historic change. The country, which has endured many years of war and suffering, has received an opportunity not only to rebuild its destroyed infrastructure, but also to lay the foundations of a new society based on equality, justice and freedom. This is what Najat Rochdi, Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria, said in an exclusive interview with UN News Service.
Hope for Change
According to Rochdi, the current situation in Syria is unique: there is an atmosphere of joy, hope and euphoria on the streets. However, expectations for a new stage in the life of the country are also growing.
“Now is the time to restore everything that was destroyed, including the dignity of all Syrians,” she noted. This is not only about material restoration, but also about creating conditions in which every resident of the country, regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural background, will feel like a full-fledged citizen.
The main challenge, according to Rochdi, will be to conduct an inclusive national dialogue that should take into account the views of all sectors of society.
The Role of the UN in the Transition Period
The UN sees its task as supporting and accompanying the political transition. To achieve this, it is important to work closely with various groups in the population, from civil society activists to religious leaders.
The key priorities today remain establishing the fate of the missing, ensuring justice for the families of the victims – without revenge and retribution – and guaranteeing inclusivity in the political process, including the creation of a new constitution.
Rochdi stressed that the voices of all strata and groups of Syrian society must be taken into account in this process so that the constitution becomes a guarantor of human rights and freedoms for all.
Women at the Forefront of Change
Special attention is paid to the role of women in the political transition. Syrian women’s organizations have demonstrated incredible resilience in recent years, fighting for equal rights and freedoms.
“Women must be heard, not only because it is fair, but also because Syria needs every citizen to contribute to the country’s reconstruction,” Rochdi said.
The UN-supported Women’s Advisory Council continues to play an important role in helping to integrate women’s initiatives into the political process.
Humanitarian Challenges
Amid the political changes, Syria faces a dire humanitarian situation. Lack of funding, lack of basic services and destroyed infrastructure put the lives of millions of people at risk.
“The most important thing now is to create conditions in which every Syrian feels safe and included in the recovery process,” Rochdi emphasized.
Prospects for the Future
Syria today has a chance not only to “come out of the darkness,” but also to build a stable and prosperous society. This requires transparency, justice and the broad participation of all citizens in the country’s reconstruction.
“This is their revolution, their victory, their country. And our role is to support and accompany them when necessary,” Najat Rochdi concluded.