AMMAN — The Geneva II Conference, which opens on Wednesday, “must deliver real change in the lives of ordinary Syrians”, said aid agency Oxfam in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“Millions of lives are riding on this event, which offers the best chance of ending the violence and alleviating the suffering of the millions of Syrians caught up in the conflict,” the organisation said.
More than 2.3 million refugees have fled their homes to neighbouring countries, and an estimated 9.3 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria.
“Geneva II offers a real opportunity for a major breakthrough for all those who are suffering the effects of this devastating crisis. This chance must not be squandered,” the statement quoted Oxfam’s adviser on humanitarian and security issues, Shaheen Chughtai, as saying.
“While negotiations will not resolve the crisis overnight, they should instead deliver a clear timeline and process for doing so. Time will fly this week — and every second in Montreux counts,” he said.
“Whatever comes out of the talks, strides must be made to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of ordinary Syrians – this cannot be used as a political bargaining chip,” Chughtai stressed.
Oxfam “wants to see the full and active participation of women and civil society organisations in the political process moving forward”, the statement said.
Oxfam called for Syrian civil society groups to be involved in the implementation of negotiated agreements, including monitoring ceasefires and human rights violations.
“The peace talks should involve all governments and institutions involved in the conflict and those intending to play a part in Syria’s reconstruction,” the agency added.
Oxfam called on the international community not to undermine the talks.
