UN Deputy Syria Envoy praises SDF-Syrian Government agreement as historic step toward stability

NEW YORK — United Nations Deputy Special Envoy to Syria Najat Rochdi hailed the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, as a historic opportunity to address long-standing issues. The agreement, signed on 10 March, was highlighted during Rochdi’s video briefing to the UN Security Council.

Rochdi welcomed several positive developments stemming from the accord, including the registration of middle and high school students in North and East Syria, the exchange of detainees, and the return of some families from the Al-Hol camp in eastern Hasakah to their homes.

However, Rochdi cautioned that Syria remains at risk of further instability, warning that an escalation could jeopardize the fragile progress toward peace.

She also referenced recent meetings conducted by UN Special Envoy Thomas Barrack in Daramsuq (Damascus) and Lebanon, which she described as constructive, particularly on issues of transitional justice and the search for missing persons.

Additionally, Rochdi underscored the growing demand from Syrian women for greater legislative representation, emphasizing their calls for justice, accountability, inclusivity, and the protection of individual rights.