His Excellency Dr. Tarek Mitri,
With respect and appreciation,
Lebanese and Syrian women are following with great interest and utmost seriousness the efforts you are undertaking within the framework of the ongoing communication between the Lebanese and Syrian sides, particularly the negotiations aimed at addressing the humanitarian and security files that have remained unresolved for many years, foremost among them the file of the Lebanese abducted and missing in Syria, and the file of Syrian detainees held in Lebanon. These are extremely sensitive files, which have left deep and prolonged suffering for a large number of Lebanese and Syrian families, and whose humanitarian, social, and legal impacts continue to this day.
In this context, we highly value your efforts aimed at addressing these files, and we consider that the current political phase constitutes a pivotal opportunity to achieve real and tangible progress. However, we affirm that the success of this negotiation track, in terms of its legitimacy, effectiveness, and the sustainability of its results, is closely linked to the extent of its inclusiveness, in particular through the effective participation of women within the official composition of the Lebanese and Syrian negotiating delegations.
Addressing these files, with all that they entail in humanitarian, security, and legal dimensions, does not fall within the scope of good intentions alone, but rather constitutes a legal and moral obligation incumbent upon both states, in accordance with the provisions of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also requires a comprehensive approach that guarantees the rights of those affected, and is based on the principles of truth, justice, fairness, and non-impunity.
On this basis, we, the women peacebuilders from Lebanon and Syria, affirm our full support for the ongoing negotiation process, and at the same time stress the necessity of ensuring the effective and full participation of qualified and experienced women as full members of the negotiating delegations. This participation cannot be formal or symbolic; rather, it must be a real participation in decision-making positions, in a manner consistent with the obligations of both states under relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Women are among the groups most affected by the crime of enforced disappearance; some of them were direct victims of these violations, while others have borne heavy psychological, social, economic, and legal burdens as a result of the loss of members of their families. At the same time, over the years of conflict, women have accumulated essential field, legal, and humanitarian expertise in documenting violations, advocating for victims, supporting affected families, and responding to humanitarian needs on the ground.
The effective participation of expert and specialized women within the official delegations would ensure a comprehensive and gender-sensitive approach that takes into account the various humanitarian, legal, and social dimensions of these files, and would contribute to enhancing the credibility of the negotiation process, building trust among the concerned parties, and reaching just and sustainable solutions, including issues related to the humanitarian and social situation and the refugees in Lebanon.
Accordingly, we hope that this approach will be clearly reflected in the composition of the current Lebanese and Syrian delegations, and any future negotiating delegations, through ensuring the effective participation of qualified women and enabling them to assume a real negotiating role.
Women at the negotiating table, women leading toward lasting peace.
May God grant you success in what is for the good and the interest of both countries and the two brotherly peoples.
Please accept our highest respect and appreciation.
On behalf of Lebanon
Women Peacebuilding Network in Lebanon
On behalf of Syria
Space for Collaboration