UNITED NATIONS, Jul 22 (APP):An Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday focused on transitional justice and missing persons in Syria, with Pakistan urging the world community to support Syrian efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, reconciliation and reconstruction. "Transitional justice is fundamental to reconciliation, recovery and peace-building in Syria," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan o the UN, told the meeting, held under the format …
Pakistan pushes for comprehensive transitional justice in Syria amid ongoing peace efforts
UNITED NATIONS, Jul 22 (APP):An Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday focused on transitional justice and missing persons in Syria, with Pakistan urging the world community to support Syrian efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, reconciliation and reconstruction.
“Transitional justice is fundamental to reconciliation, recovery and peace-building in Syria,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan o the UN, told the meeting, held under the format named after Diego Arria, a former Venezuelan Ambassador to the UN.
Syria emerged from a 14-year civil war that ended the al Assad regime’s half-century reign in December 2024.
A comprehensive approach, based on the aspirations of the Syrian people, the Pakistani envoy said can heal, restore trust and strengthen social cohesion in the country.
Arria-Formula meetings are informal that enable Security Council members to have a frank and private exchange of views on relevant subjects.
The meeting was organized by Colombia and Denmark, along with non-Council members — Luxembourg and Syria.
According to UN reports, Syria has undergone major political and social shifts since a popular uprising ousted former President Bashar Al-Assad in late 2024. The country’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has engaged more closely with the international community and promised accountability for past atrocity crimes, while undertaking significant government reforms.
“We welcome the steps taken by the Syrian Government, including the establishment of the National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons, and preparation of draft law on transitional justice,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, noting that these initiatives were important for addressing the consequences of the conflict, and respond to the legitimate expectations of victims and their families.
At the same time, he said, effective cooperation between Syrian national institutions and relevant international mechanisms, can play an important role in advancing truth, justice, and accountability.
The Pakistani envoy pointed out that Syria had endured years of devastating conflict and immense suffering. “As it embarks on a new chapter, the international community should support its efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, reconciliation and reconstruction,” he added.
