Qatar Reaffirms Political Solution to Syrian Crisis, Women's Participation in Peace Negotiations

Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani

The State of Qatar has reaffirmed the political solution to the Syrian crisis, and the participation of Syrian women in all peace negotiations, transitional processes and national reconciliation.

This came in a speech delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani via videoconferencing in the virtual event organized by the Syrian Feminist Political Movement on justice through feminist perspective, on the sidelines of the 66th session of the United Nations on the Status of Women (CSW), under the auspices of the permanent missions of Qatar, Canada, France, Sweden, UK, Germany, US and Turkey to the United Nations.

Her Excellency stated that entire communities suffer the consequences of armed violence 11 years after the conflict in Syria has started, noting that Syrian women and girls continue to suffer disproportionately from violence, hunger, poverty and displacement.

Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's belief that only a negotiated political solution, in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2204, would end the suffering of the Syrian people and achieve justice and accountability, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

Her Excellency stressed the importance of Syrian women's participation in all peace negotiations, transitional processes, national reconciliation and the full implementation of final agreements, expressing that women's leadership and participation are critical to finding sustainable solutions.

Her Excellency also emphasized the need to guarantee the rights of Syrian victims, reiterating the State of Qatar's commitment to ensuring the existence of effective gender-sensitive justice approaches to respond to violence committed against women.

The State of Qatar is one of the largest donors to humanitarian efforts in Syria and its neighboring countries, she noted.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN concluded her speech by affirming that the Syrian crisis is at the top of the State of Qatar's agenda, adding that Qatar will continue to work for peace in Syria with international partners.

It is noteworthy that the virtual event highlighted the voices of Syrian women in and outside Syria, and outlined potential paths towards a more just society in Syria, calling on the international community to press for a meaningful and equitable transition in the pursuit of gender-conscious justice.

(QNA)