“The blaming and finger-pointing at the highest levels of the international community are unconscionable distractions from the bloodshed, death and destruction unfolding each day in Syria.” Desmond Tutu

While The Elders believe that any solution to the violence in Syria must be owned and led by Syrians, they stress that the international community must unite to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict – and fulfil its responsibility to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance to the injured, displaced and vulnerable.

"Nobody could have taken up the mantle in such an unforgiving context, with as much courage, dedication and humility." Desmond Tutu

The Elders urge the international community to unite to help end the Syrian crisis, following Kofi Annan's announcement that he will not continue his mission as Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis when his mandate expires at the end of August.

In respect of the requirement that Elders are free to speak and act independently, and to allow him to devote his full energies to his critical new assignment, Kofi Annan has decided to recuse himself as a member of The Elders.

A humanitarian pause is urgently required

As violence in Syria continues to threaten the safety of thousands of people, The Elders call on the Syrian government to halt its military assault and enable a “humanitarian pause” to allow medical assistance and basic supplies to reach those in need.