UN Syria Envoy warns of fragile security, urges inclusive process
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Najat Rochdi, the UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, said on Wednesday that recent developments across Syria underscore the country’s fragile security situation and the sensitivity of the ongoing transitional phase.
Speaking during a briefing to the United Nations, Rochdi stated that “this month witnessed renewed unrest in northern and eastern Syria, with intense clashes between forces affiliated with transitional authorities and units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the city of Aleppo.” She emphasized that such incidents highlight the need for sustained calm and coordination to avoid further escalation.
Rochdi also referred to the ongoing instability in Suwayda, noting that sporadic clashes continue to erupt on the outskirts of the province, where local forces and residents have periodically mobilized in response to deteriorating economic and security conditions.
The UN official called for the publication of findings from the National Commission for Inquiry and Fact-Finding regarding the coastal incidents of March, describing the step as “necessary for transparency and accountability.”
Turning to political developments, Rochdi said that indirect elections for the Transitional People’s Assembly were held on October 5 “in largely peaceful and organized conditions.” However, she noted that women’s representation remains limited, with only six out of 119 seats won by female candidates.
According to Rochdi, the current composition of the transitional assembly includes one Christian, three Ismaili, three Alawite, and four Kurdish representatives, but no Druze members among the 119 elected so far. She expressed concern over this imbalance and underscored the importance of ensuring broad representation for all communities.
“The Syrian woman has the right to full and meaningful participation in shaping her country’s future,” Rochdi said, stressing that women must play real roles in leadership and decision-making processes. She added that Syrian women remain “the greatest wealth of this country” and continue to engage in political and civil initiatives despite the challenges of the transition.
Rochdi concluded her briefing by reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting the transitional authorities and the Syrian people “toward a secure, inclusive, and prosperous Syria.”