UN Security Council Resolution 2254

UN Security Council Resolution 2245, adopted unanimously, considers the work of the Constitutional Committee to draft a new constitution for Syria as a contribution to the political settlement of Syria. The resolution relied on Geneva Communique, and supported the Vienna Communiques on Syria, as the basic ground for achieving the political transition process and ending the conflict.

Announcement of reaching agreement to form Constitutional Committee

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, announced that an agreement had been reached regarding the formation of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, comprising representatives of the opposition, the Syrian regime and civil society, to draft a new constitution with the aim of reaching a political solution in Syria. It includes 150 members, fifty for each of the three parties.

Secretary-General’s letter to President of Security Council

Adoption of the document (No. 775 of 2019) addressed by the United Nations General Security to the President of the Security Council, on the terms of the reference standards and core rules of the internal regulations of a Syrian-led, Syrian owned, credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee, facilitated by the United Nations in Geneva.

Launch of works Syrian Constitutional Committee

Facilitation by the United Nations. works of the Syrian Constitutional Committee Kicked off at the United Nations Palace in Geneva, Switzerland. The launch of the works received broad international and Arab support.

First meeting of Large Body Convenes

The Large Body, consisting of 150 members, held its first meeting with the presence of all members from the three delegations, in working sessions chaired by the two Co-Chairs.

Adoption of Code of Conduct for the Constitutional Committee

At the end of the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee, the Large Body unanimously adopted the Code of conduct of the Constitutional Committee’s members, as well as the initial rules of procedures of the two Co-Chairs.

First Session of Small Body Convenes

Members of the Small Body (the Drafting Committee) consisting of 45 members, convened meetings over five days. The first session focused on protocol procedures related to the working mechanisms of the Constitutional Committee.

Second Session of Small Body meetings hindered

Meetings of the second session of the Small Body did not convene due to the disagreement of the delegations of the two delegations (representing the Syrian Negotiation Committee and the Syrian regime) on the agenda for that session. The Syrian Negotiation Committee delegation insisted that no meeting can be held without a specific agenda whose topics must be within the mandate and terms of the committee. The regime delegation refused to discuss the idea.

Third Session of Small Body Meetings Convenes

The Small Body (Drafting Committee) convenes to discuss the “Based on the Constitutional Committee’s mandate, terms of reference and core rules of procedures “national foundations and principles”, but the committee’s meetings were suspended due to the effects of the “Corona” pandemic.

Fourth Session of Small Body Convenes

The fourth session of the Constitutional Committee meetings was held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Small Body (consisting of 45 members), continued the discussing the agenda of the third session “national foundations and principles”, according to the authorize the Syrian Constitutional Committee and its procedural rules.

Fifth Session of Small Body Convenes

The Fifth Session of the Small Body convenes in Geneva, Switzerland. In line with the Constitutional Committee’s mandate, terms of reference and core rules of procedures, the Small Body discussed the agenda: “Constitutional Principles/ Fundamental Principles in the Constitution”.

Sixth session of Small Body Meetings Convenes

The sixth session convened after reaching an agreement on the methodology. The agenda, which was attended by the 45-member Small Body, included the discussion of four constitutional principles: (State Sovereignty, Security, The Army and the Armed Forces, The Rule of Law, and Combating Terrorism and Extremism).

Seventh session of Small Body meetings Convenes

The seventh session of the Small Body convenes in Geneva, The following constitutional principles were discussed: (Basics of Governance, State Identity, State Symbols, Organization and Function of Public Authorities).

Eighth session of Small Body Meetings Convenes

The eighth session of the Small Body convenes in Geneva. The following constitutional principles were discussed: (Maintaining and Strengthening State’s institutions, Unilateral coercive measures from a constitutional standpoint, The supremacy of the Constitution and the position of international treaties, Transitional Justice).

Announcing date of ninth session of Small Body Meetings

In the conclusion of the eighth session of the Constitutional Committee’s meetings, the United Nations Special Envoy announced that all parties had agreed to hold the ninth session of the Constitutional Committee’s meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, from 25 July to 29 July 2022.

Suspension of ninth session of Small Body Meetings

The United Nations Special Envoy to Syria announced the postponement of the ninth session of the Constitutional Committee meetings to an unspecified date. What he described as requests from the Russian Federation.