16.02.02 - Office of the Special Envoy for Syria Press Statement

Today, the U.N. Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, will issue invitations to Syrian women and civil society representatives, to contribute to the United Nations-facilitated talks, being held in Geneva between representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition.

Both women and civil society organisations can provide vital ideas and insight to the talks, by presenting the views and recommendations of important segments of Syrian society.

Mr. De Mistura, heeding the call by many Syrian women to meaningfully be able to contribute to the talks and the guidance provided by Security Council Resolution 2254, has established an independent Women’s Advisory Board to the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Syria.

The Advisory Board will allow Syrian women to articulate their concerns and ideas and present recommendations, covering all topics discussed during the talks, to the UN Special Envoy for consideration. The Board will initially be composed of a group of 12 women chosen by several Syrian women organizations through their own consultative process. Mr. De Mistura has also indicated that additional women’s organisations will be able to contribute to the efforts of the Advisory Board through a system of regular rotations.

Syria civil society organisations will play an important role in the process, as many of them have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in substantive fields of direct relevance to the talks. Many Syrian civil society organisations represent the voices of broad swathes of civilians in Syria, from all different backgrounds. They shall be provided with an opportunity and a mechanism to share recommendations and ideas with the UN. A rotation mechanisms will also be adopted for consultations with civil society in order to broaden the scope of participation.

The Office of the Special Envoys has established a Support Room for the Syrian Women Advisory Board and civil society organisations, which will provide them with a work space to prepare for their consultations with the Special Envoy.