New York: Syria’s political transition remains crucial amidst the country’s compounding humanitarian, security, and environmental challenges, top UN officials told the Security Council today. They underscored the urgent need to bridge the woefully underfunded humanitarian response and enable progress from relief to recovery.
According to EMM, Syria’s transition has been rocked this past month by violence and escalation that led to mass casualties, drained trust, and increased the risk of fragmentation, declared Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. He stressed the necessity for major course corrections on security and the political transition. Pedersen pointed out the alarming outbreak of violence in Sweida, starting with mutual kidnappings on 12 July, which escalated into armed local clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups.
An initial ceasefire was announced but quickly collapsed, leading to fresh accusations of violations, extrajudicial executions, degrading treatment, and widespread disinformation. The conflict resulted in hundreds of casualties among security forces, Druze fighters, and civilians, predominantly Druze.
The recent violence displaced an estimated 175,000 people, highlighting Syria’s status as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, compounded by climatic shocks. Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the need for protection and humanitarian access, especially in areas of violence like Sweida.
The UN’s $3.2 billion humanitarian aid request for Syria is only 12% funded, and wildfires in Lattakia further intensified the crisis, displacing over 1,100 people. Wosornu called for ongoing investment in humanitarian operations and welcomed developments like eased sanctions and a World Bank grant to support electricity supply.
During discussions, many speakers praised the ceasefire in Syria. Concerns were raised about Israeli military activity, which some warned could destabilize Syria further. Calls for transparent accountability, independent investigations into recent violence, and support for Syria’s economic recovery were made by representatives from the UK, China, Russia, and others.
Speakers stressed the importance of an inclusive political transition, urging international actors to avoid turning Syria into a confrontation arena. France emphasized the need for accelerated implementation of agreements to restore Syria’s unity, and South Korea called for an electoral system representing all Syrians.
Security concerns, foreign interference, and the need for a unified force under the rule of law were highlighted by representatives from Panama and the United States. Regional voices, including Iran and Tunisia, condemned foreign interference and Israeli aggression, advocating for justice and stability in Syria.
The Syrian delegate welcomed the lifting of sanctions and emphasized the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation exacerbated by recent wildfires. The need for momentous measures, such as creating an independent national human rights institution, was also highlighted.