What we do

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) celebrates alongside the Syrian people the end of the Assad regime’s rule and brutal crackdown in Syria – the scenes of liberation produce hope of a national recovery and transformation to a new inclusive and democratic future for Syrians. The nation has endured immense suffering since the outbreak of conflict in 2011. The initial protests’ rapid escalation into a devastating civil war has already resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, the displacement of millions both internally and externally, and the near-total destruction of the country’s infrastructure. The involvement of numerous international actors, including Turkey, Russia, Iran, and the United States, among many others, has further exacerbated the complexity and longevity of the war, leaving Syria a theater of proxy struggles and geopolitical rivalries.

Given the uncertainty of the unfolding events, IPB expresses concern over the possibility of fragmentation and a continuation of war and conflict in the country. As of December 8, 2024, a coalition of opposition forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and various other armed groups such as the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Ahrar al-Sham, and Jaysh al-Izza, has taken control of Damascus and large swathes of Syrian territory. While these events represent a turning point in the Syrian conflict, they also introduce new uncertainties and challenges.

In the northeast, Kurdish forces, primarily led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), continue to maintain control over autonomous regions. Their governance model emphasizes local self-rule and inclusivity, but tensions remain high as the new opposition-led administration has yet to clarify its stance on Kurdish autonomy. This delicate situation underscores the potential for further fragmentation and conflict within Syria.

Despite the regime’s fall, the Syrian people face a multitude of internal and external threats, including:

1. Internal Instability: The rise of Islamist factions, such as HTS, as dominant political and military actors raises concerns about potential human rights abuses, retaliatory violence, and the suppression of dissent. The specter of a renewed civil war looms large, fueled by ideological divisions and competing visions for Syria’s future.
2. External Aggression: Israel’s continued military operations in Syria present a grave threat to regional stability. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have expanded their presence in the buffer zone in southern Syria, seizing control of several villages, including areas around Mount Sheikh. These actions not only violate Syria’s sovereignty but also risk sparking broader regional conflict.
3. Humanitarian Crisis: The ongoing displacement of millions, coupled with the collapse of basic services, has left Syrians in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The situation is further compounded by economic collapse, food insecurity, and the lack of access to healthcare and education.

The Role of the International Community

In these critical times, the International Peace Bureau calls upon the global community to take urgent and decisive action:

1. Implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2254: Adopted in 2015, this resolution provides a clear roadmap for resolving the Syrian conflict. It calls for a Syrian-led political process, the establishment of inclusive governance, and the drafting of a new constitution. The IPB urges all international stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of Resolution 2254 as the foundation for peace and democracy in Syria.
2. Condemning Israeli Aggression: The IPB calls on the United Nations and its member states to take a firm stance against Israel’s military actions in Syria. Immediate measures must be taken to ensure Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories and the cessation of all military operations to prevent further escalation and civilian suffering.
3. Humanitarian Assistance: We appeal to international donors, humanitarian organizations, and the United Nations to scale up support for displaced Syrians and communities in need. Addressing the humanitarian crisis is essential to stabilizing the country and rebuilding trust among its people. Syrian refugees abroad should not be coerced back to Syria.

A Call for Unity Among Syrians

The IPB also urges Syrians across the globe to unite in dialogue and reconciliation efforts. It is imperative to foster discussions that prioritize peace, inclusivity, and national rebuilding. Combating the proliferation of hate speech and fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence are critical to ensuring that Syria’s future is not defined by vengeance or division.

We call on Syrian communities, both within the country and in the diaspora, to actively participate in shaping a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future for their homeland. The IPB stands ready to support initiatives aimed at reconciliation, dialogue, and the promotion of human rights.

Conclusion

The International Peace Bureau reaffirms its commitment to advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict. We believe that a stable and democratic Syria is achievable through collective international efforts and the unwavering determination of the Syrian people. At this pivotal moment, we call upon all parties to prioritize dialogue, adhere to international law, and work towards a future that upholds the principles of peace, justice, and human dignity.

Supported by:

• FriedensATTAC

UNGA First Committee on Disarmament and International Security Delivered by Rafi Chowdhury, International Peace Bureau

 Chairperson, distinguished delegates, 

I present this statement on behalf of 175 civil society representatives and a coalition of organizations from around the world. We urge all member states to activate the UN General Assembly mechanism of Special Sessions on Disarmament without further procrastination, as per the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Action 26(a) of the Pact for the Future. 

Continue reading “Civil Society Statement on Calling for the Commencement of Preparations for the UN’s Fourth Special Session on Disarmament”

You can sign the call and find the original call in Spanish here.

This September 21, we join in and commemorate the International Day of Peace, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981.

On this day, which holds great significance for humanity, we call on the governments of our continent:

1. To put an end to the arms race and military spending. Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador are the countries with the highest military spending in Latin America. We need money for life— to build schools, hospitals, and meet other urgent needs, not for death.
2. To end police violence, which continues in many of our countries where there is no real oversight of police actions, impunity prevails, and there are no genuine efforts to ensure police training and actions are in accordance with respect for human rights.
3. To stop military exercises with the U.S. Southern Command, as well as military and police training for Latin American troops at the School of the Americas, now renamed WHINSEC, or at any other U.S. military academy where violence and war are still promoted as ways to resolve conflicts.
4. To close and withdraw all U.S. and NATO military bases in Latin America, including U.S. military bases imposed in Guantánamo, Cuba; Soto Cano in Honduras; the bases in Colombia; NAMRU-6 in Peru; in the Malvinas Islands, controlled by the United Kingdom in Argentina; and others. Out of Latin America! Return home, we want peace.
5. To demand that the U.S., NATO, and all countries end the arms race and war. It is time for the U.S. and NATO, in particular, to end the wars and stop sending weapons to Israel, Ukraine, and other places. It is time for them to act responsibly and make efforts to achieve peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel, and between Russia and Ukraine.
6. Finally, we call on our governments to lead efforts to advance global disarmament, diplomacy, respect for the self-determination of peoples, the end of unilateral sanctions, and to work toward building a world of peace, solidarity, and social justice.

Let the guns fall silent, end all wars, we want peace!

Click here to sign!