New York: A senior UN official has highlighted the potential detrimental impacts of regional escalation on Syria, as the nation navigates its political transition following the overthrow of the Assad regime last December after nearly 14 years of civil war. UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi emphasized Syria’s vulnerability to further instability during a briefing to the Security Council.
According to EMM, Ms. Rochdi underscored the severe and immediate risks that further escalation could pose, potentially unraveling Syria’s fragile progress towards peace and recovery. Her report detailed ongoing engagements, including meetings with senior officials in Damascus, such as interim foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, focusing on international relations and the importance of an inclusive political transition.
Particular attention has been directed towards the next transitional steps, including the establishment of a new People’s Assembly and committees on transitional justice and missing persons. Additionally, Ms. Rochdi noted a significant 10 March agreement between interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the Kurdish-led group into the national army, presenting a historic opportunity to address key conflict issues and restore Syria’s sovereignty.
The briefing also addressed sporadic violence in regions like Homs and Hama, where specific communities continue to face attacks. Ms. Rochdi highlighted efforts by interim authorities to ease tensions, including a fatwa against revenge killings. She also reported on continued Israeli military actions in southern Syria and emphasized the need for respecting Syria’s sovereignty and the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
Despite security and economic challenges, nearly 600,000 people have returned to Syria in recent months, encouraged by international actions aimed at reactivating the nation’s economy. However, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with a worsening cholera outbreak and a significant portion of the population requiring aid.
UN deputy relief chief Joyce Msuya reported that unexploded ordnance poses a significant threat, with hundreds killed or injured since December. The health system is overwhelmed, and a prolonged dry spell threatens agricultural output. Humanitarians have reached millions with aid, yet funding remains critically insufficient, with only 13% of the required funds secured for the year.
The UN continues to support Syria, transitioning to a more effective humanitarian coordination model to maximize limited resources and address the pressing needs of the Syrian population.