On Sunday, António Guterres honored the “resilience and courage of the Syrian people, who never stopped nurturing hope despite enduring unimaginable hardship.” He stated that the past year demonstrated that “meaningful change is possible when Syrians are empowered and supported in driving their own transition.”
“What lies ahead is far more than a political transition; it is the chance to rebuild shattered communities and heal deep divisions,” the UN chief said. “It is an opportunity to forge a nation where every Syrian – regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or political affiliation – can live securely, equally, and with dignity.”
A year of fragile progress
Since Assad fled Damascus last December, the UN has collaborated with Syrian authorities and civil society to stabilize the country and lay the groundwork for inclusive governance. Efforts have centered on restoring essential services, expanding humanitarian access, and creating pathways for refugees and displaced persons to return.
The UN refugee agency reports that over one million refugees have returned since December 2024, along with some two million people inside Syria who have returned to their communities of origin.
Transitional justice initiatives are taking shape, with Syrian women emerging as key voices in shaping new institutions and advocating for equality.
Humanitarian needs remain immense, but there has been progress in rebuilding local governance structures and broadening civic participation – steps the UN deems vital for an “inclusive and accountable Syria.”
The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry welcomed these steps, noting that access long denied has finally been granted, and engagement on human rights is underway. It praised the creation of national bodies on transitional justice and the missing, while warning that Syria’s transition remains fragile amid ongoing insecurity and sporadic violence in several governorates.
The Commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in August 2011 to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law in Syria since March 2011, highlighted the enduring pain of thousands still forcibly disappeared and warned that cycles of reprisal must end for peace to take root.
“Moving beyond the legacies of 14 years of war will take strength, patience, and support,” it said, urging Syrians and the international community to collaborate so that rights long denied become a reality for all.
Call for global support
Mr. Guterres urged the international community to “stand firmly behind this Syrian-led, Syrian-owned transition,” stressing that success depends on sustained funding for humanitarian appeals, removing barriers to reconstruction, and promoting economic development.
“On this anniversary, we stand united in purpose – to build a foundation of peace and prosperity and renew our pledge to a free, sovereign, united, and inclusive Syria,” he said.
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