Statement of like-minded Foreign Ministers of the FFP network

​Today, we, the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Germany, Kosovo*, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Mongolia, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands reaffirm our readiness to support an inclusive and representative non-sectarian Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, security and prosperity, hereby building on the basic objectives and principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

With the liberation from the Assad regime, Syria has entered a new political era. This can be a moment of historic opportunity. For the first time in 14 years, a political solution to the situation in Syria is within reach. This political solution must include the leadership and meaningful participation of Syrian women. Syrian women, who have borne a disproportionate burden of the conflict, can contribute significantly to the development of the new Syria and should have an equal place in the political transition process. Women's full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in national and local politics, in administration and the judiciary, in the economy, the media and all other areas of public life is essential to the achievement of peaceful and sustainable development. We encourage the new transitional government to continue making best use of the existing domestic expertise, including Syria’s civil society and the collaboration with the United Nations.

The Syrian national dialogue conference announced by the transitional government is an essential element for such an inclusive and peaceful transition process. It should be convened as soon as possible and reflect Syrian society in its diversity and entirety, including Syrian women, whose visible and meaningful participation will be decisive for the credibility and success of this conference. We therefore welcome that two women have been appointed as part of the preparatory committee for the National Dialogue – this is a step in the right direction.

Experience shows that crimes and atrocities committed during conflict, including those committed against women, lead to protracted instability if not addressed in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. We therefore call upon the new Syrian leadership, the Syrian people and all other actors to engage in a process of transitional justice, reconciliation and peacebuilding, which also includes the perspectives and expertise of Syrian women who can act as a driver for positive change and can importantly contribute to security, stability and prosperity of Syria.