Call for cessation of violence in all places and by all groups in Syria
Parties must go back to the negotiation table
The devastating war in Syria started as a peaceful popular uprising, was countered with brutal violence, and has evolved into a conflict resulting in a massive loss of life, huge flows of refugees, widespread destruction, attacks on medical facilities, and multiple atrocities. Although Russia and China blocked the country’s referral to the International Criminal Court in 2014[1], which would have sent a strong signal to all parties involved in escalating the violence, many of the issues raised then meet the qualifications for war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Current estimates indicate that as of September 2016, over 13.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, 6.6 million persons are internally displaced, and 4.8 million refugees are registered or awaiting registration.[2] Also, 1 million people live under siege and 1.4 million persons reside in “watchlist” areas that are under partial siege or direct threat of full siege.[3]
Immediate cessation of violence
As the devastating toll on the Syrian people continues, Pax Christi International finds it entirely unacceptable that world leaders and other involved parties have been unable to reach a ceasefire for the ongoing war.[4] Achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities must have absolute priority. The cessation of hostilities could be a first and essential step towards an end to the violent conflict.
The longer the conflict continues, the higher the cost is for Syrians, but also for the international community. We urge the Russian Federation and the United States to persevere in their pursuit of a ceasefire and we are hopeful that a viable plan for peace that all parties can accept will follow.[5]
In spite of United Nations resolutions[6] demanding humanitarian access to people in need, the political will to enforce such access has been lacking. Not only must the violence stop, but the involved parties must also be pressured to allow urgent humanitarian aid to be delivered across the country.
Prompt political solution of the conflict
Pax Christi International believes[7] that the Geneva talks are a crucial platform for a long-lasting political solution to the conflict. Negotiations should be restarted as soon as possible and steps should be taken by all sides towards a compromise so that an enduring solution can be found.
We are in full support of the initiatives of the international community, such as those of UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. It is important that all warring parties to the conflict must have a seat at the negotiation table. Also, the participation of youth, women, Syrians of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, and groups working for peace, justice and reconciliation on the ground in Syria should be secured. Furthermore, the role of civil society should be formalised.
This week the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) of the Syrian opposition presented a transition plan.[8] Pax Christi welcomes their willingness to think of ways forward and calls upon other parties to do the same. If no deal is reached, Syria will further disintegrate. What is needed is a plan for peace that addresses crucial challenges ahead for the Syrian people in a manner that is inclusive and representative of all Syrians.
We deeply deplore the lack of commitment by the European Union (EU) to truly play a positive peacebuilding role in the Middle East and specifically in the case of Syria. Because security, humanitarian, and economic consequences of the Syrian conflict impact the EU, the EU should step up its political and diplomatic efforts in Syria by making better use of the foreign policy tools it has at its disposal in a matter that is better coordinated with its Member States and under the leadership of its foreign policy high representative.[9]
We urge Russia and the United States—and also other states—not to be led by economic or defense interests, but instead to contribute to a solution that would be in the best interest of all. We welcome states to take up such initiatives, as through the Friend of Syria Group or others.
Pax Christi International is convinced that there is no military solution to the conflict in Syria. Indeed, individual military actions by some countries have led to a further intensification of the conflict. Pax Christi International would also like to point out that September 2016 marks one year since the Russian intervention in Syria which has had great human and material costs. There are hardly any historic examples of conflicts won solely by aerial bombardments and attacks.
One overwhelming fact remains: the most tragic consequence of the war in Syria is the unspeakable suffering of the Syrian people of all creeds and ages within and outside the country, a trauma bound to generate frustration and resentment for generations to come. Pax Christi International expresses its deep solidarity with the victims who mourn their loved ones and cannot forget the atrocities they have endured. May the dignity and freedom of the Syrian people be realised soon.
Brussels, September 9th 2016
[1] United Nations, ‘Referral of Syria to International Criminal Court Fails as Negative Votes Prevent Security Council from Adopting Draft Resolution, May 22th 2014, online available at: http://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11407.doc.htm
[2] Echo, Fact sheet Syria crisis, September 2016, online available at: http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/aid/countries/factsheets/syria_en.pdf
[3] This data can be found on Siege Watch, a joint initiative of PAX and The Syria Institute. The Siege Watch project aims to provide the international community with up-to-date information on Syria’s besieged communities, where trapped civilians suffer in inhumane circumstances with little help from the outside world. See this website: http://siegewatch.org/#7/35.111/38.540.
[4] See also the recent report of the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. The United Nations Office at Geneva, ‘International Commission of Inquiry on Syria: as peace talks stall, violence soars again in Syria, September 6th 2016, online available: http://www.unog.ch/unog/website/news_media.nsf/(httpNewsByYear_en)/AA37F9EA6A11872BC1258026004889A2?OpenDocument
[5] Business Insider UK, ‘US and Russia finally have a plan for peace in Syria, but Syrian opposition won't accept it’, September 7th 2016, online available at: http://uk.businessinsider.com/syrian-opposition-says-to-reject-any-us-russia-deal-unlike-own-plan-2016-9?r=US&IR=T
[6] United Nations, ‘Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2258 (2015), Security Council Renews Authorization for Passage of Humanitarian Aid into Syria’, December 22th 2015, online available at: http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc12179.doc.htm
[7] See also our previous statements on Syria and the negotiations of this year: http://www.paxchristi.net/document/5722 and http://www.paxchristi.net/document/5539
[8] BBC, ‘Syria conflict: Opposition unveils transition plan’, September 7th, online available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37294532
[9] Carnegie Europe, ‘In Search for an EU role in the Syrian War’,