UN Urges Syrian Leaders to Focus on Inclusive Political Transition
Security Council Briefing
During a briefing to the UN Security Council, UN envoy Geir Pedersen highlighted the need for Syria’s interim leadership to take concrete steps toward an inclusive political transition. While acknowledging commitments made by interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Pedersen stressed that Syrians expect meaningful action.
“Every Syrian I spoke to emphasized the importance of credible and inclusive transitional institutions, including key appointments, a provisional legislative body, and a national dialogue process,” he stated.
He also underscored the need for women’s participation in governance.
“Syrian women are seeking more than just protection. They want a seat at the table in decision-making roles, based on their qualifications, so their perspectives—especially regarding women’s rights—are heard,” he added.
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Security and Economic Risks
Pedersen warned that Syria’s fragile security situation continues to threaten political progress. Ongoing hostilities in the northeast, including daily clashes, artillery exchanges, and airstrikes, are taking a toll on civilians and infrastructure. Recent car bombings in residential neighborhoods have resulted in significant casualties.
While initial talks between caretaker authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are underway, Pedersen urged international actors, including the United States and Türkiye, to facilitate “genuine compromises” for peace and stability.
“Ensuring an inclusive political transition across all parts of Syria is critical,” he said.
Economic challenges are also deepening, exacerbated by sanctions, widespread poverty, and cuts to humanitarian aid. Pedersen called on sanctioning countries to relax restrictions on key sectors like energy and finance, emphasizing that Syrians will measure progress not just through reforms but also by improvements in food prices, electricity access, and employment opportunities.
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Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Despite ongoing political negotiations, Syria’s humanitarian crisis remains dire. Over 70 percent of the population now requires assistance.
Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for UN aid coordination, reported that escalating violence, particularly in northern Syria, has displaced over 25,000 people from Manbij near the Turkish border. Continued attacks are also hindering repairs to the Tishreen Dam, a vital water and electricity source for hundreds of thousands.
Additionally, landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose serious threats to civilians and complicate aid efforts.
“All military actors must take constant care to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Msuya stressed.
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Challenges in Aid Delivery
The UN has been working to scale up humanitarian aid despite major logistical challenges. Since late November, over 3.3 million Syrians have received food assistance, following recent territorial shifts linked to opposition advances.
Cross-border aid operations from Türkiye remain essential, with 94 aid trucks delivering food, medicine, and essential supplies last month—more than three times the amount delivered during the same period last year.
However, funding shortages continue to pose major risks.
Msuya warned that dozens of health facilities are at risk of closure, while water and sanitation services have already been suspended in displacement camps, affecting more than 635,000 people.
Further complicating the situation, the recent suspension of US funding—which accounted for more than a quarter of the 2024 humanitarian response budget—has added uncertainty to aid efforts.
“Delays or cuts in funding will directly impact vulnerable people’s access to essential services,” Msuya cautioned.
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Surge in Return of Refugees
An increasing number of Syrian refugees are considering returning home, according to Msuya.
Since December, approximately 270,000 Syrians have returned from neighboring countries. A recent UN survey found that over 25 percent of refugees intend to return within the next year—marking a notable increase from previous trends.
Msuya emphasized that sustainable, safe, and dignified returns will require substantial investments in employment, health services, education, and infrastructure.
“Now is the time to invest in Syria’s future,” she urged, calling for efforts to protect civilians, facilitate aid access, and support a peaceful transition.
“Beyond life-saving assistance, we must sustain and restore critical services—such as healthcare, water, and infrastructure—that will allow people to rebuild their lives and communities.”
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