‘Better future for Syria remains within reach,’ UN Security Council hears
‘Better future for Syria remains within reach,’ UN Security Council hears
Better future for Syria remains within - Over the past decade, Syria has shown promising signs of progress, yet critical challenges persist, and increased support is vital to enable the nation to transition from survival to recovery, according to UN officials addressing the Security Council on Monday. The situation, though improving in certain areas, still demands urgent attention to address lingering crises and ensure long-term stability.
Humanitarian Needs and the Path to Recovery
Assistant Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs Indrika Ratwatte, speaking on behalf of UN relief chief Tom Fletcher, highlighted that “there is now a real chance to assist Syrians in moving beyond mere survival and into a phase of recovery.” She emphasized that this opportunity hinges on sustained action, political commitment, and investment to empower communities to rebuild their lives and restore dignity.
“This moment requires ambition anchored in realism: sustained humanitarian action, political will and investment are essential to help Syrians move beyond emergency assistance and rebuild their lives.”
Ratwatte noted that while progress is evident in recovery and development, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Displacement continues to be a major issue, with millions of Syrians still unable to return home. Recent data reveals that since December 2024, approximately 1.6 million refugees and nearly two million internally displaced people have managed to come back to their communities. However, the road to full recovery is still uneven, with many areas struggling to meet the basic needs of returning populations.
Returning to their homes, Syrians face the critical need for reliable access to services, security, and livelihood opportunities. Ratwatte underscored that these factors must remain at the forefront of reintegration efforts, ensuring that the process is safe, voluntary, and sustainable. She also pointed out that current aid operations, which have reached 3,000 communities and served three million people in the first quarter of this year, are proving their effectiveness but still lack sufficient resources.
“With more support, much more can be achieved,” Ratwatte added, stressing the importance of financial backing to expand aid programs and meet the growing demands of Syrians. She outlined the upcoming steps, including collaboration between the Syrian government and UN partners during May, which mapped out a strategy under the “No Camps, No Tents” initiative. This vision prioritizes protection, service delivery, and sustainable livelihoods, while aligning with Syria’s national recovery priorities—a document that sets a clear direction for rebuilding the country.
Humanitarian Appeal and Funding Gaps
Ratwatte presented the UN’s $2.92 billion humanitarian appeal, which is currently only 20% funded. She called for Security Council action, emphasizing the need for predictable and flexible financial support to maintain the current level of aid. The three key requests she issued include:
“Help us sustain a humanitarian response that is proving it can deliver. Predictable and flexible funding are essential.”
“We must support Syria’s transition beyond emergency aid by helping address the barriers preventing people from rebuilding their lives.”
“We require sustained investment in recovery and reconstruction, aligned with the government’s ‘Statement of National Recovery Priorities’ and guided by the needs and rights of affected communities.”
These requests reflect the urgency of the situation, as the Council must balance immediate relief efforts with long-term strategies. Ratwatte concluded by reiterating the importance of development financing, economic stability, and improved services to ensure Syria’s transition is both stable and prosperous.
Political Transition and Fragile Progress
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, provided an update on the political landscape, describing it as “at a critical phase, with opportunity and fragility existing side-by-side.” Recent meetings in Damascus with ministers, survivors, and families of victims of past atrocities, along with civil society representatives and women’s groups, have underscored the potential for meaningful change.
“Syria’s political transition is at a critical phase, with opportunity and fragility existing side-by-side.”
Cordone noted that while peaceful voting occurred in recent weeks, the People’s Assembly has yet to be formally established. Over eight months after the main elections, the body remains incomplete, awaiting the Presidential appointment of a third of its members. He warned that the transitional parliament faces significant challenges, including the need to debate and adopt new laws, review executive actions, and amplify diverse voices to drive progress.
Economic conditions continue to be a central obstacle to the transition. Cordone praised Syria’s efforts to combat inflation, attract investment, and strengthen private-sector activity. However, he acknowledged that further reforms and sustained economic growth are necessary to create an environment where Syrians can thrive and the country can regain its footing.
Regional Conflicts and Security Concerns
The situation in the Sweida province remains unstable, with ongoing kidnappings, counter-kidnappings, and internal rivalries among Druze factions. These conflicts have stalled the implementation of the 2025 Roadmap for confidence-building and reintegration, which was disrupted by deadly clashes in July 2025. The incident deepened distrust between Damascus and local communities, leaving the region in a state of fragility.
Additionally, Israel’s military actions in southern Syria have continued to violate the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Reports indicate frequent incursions, the establishment of temporary checkpoints, and the search and detention of civilians. Some individuals are still held in custody, highlighting the persistent security challenges faced by Syrians in the region. These activities underscore the delicate balance between regional tensions and the broader goals of peace and recovery.
As the UN Security Council deliberates on Syria’s future, the interplay of humanitarian, political, and economic factors will determine the country’s trajectory. With continued collaboration and strategic investment, the potential for a better future remains tangible—but the path requires unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. The Council’s response to these calls will shape whether Syria can move from crisis to recovery, ensuring that progress is not only visible but also enduring.