Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
December 18, 2025 Peace and security
One year into the transition in Syria, the UN Security Council discussed progress and remaining threats. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo noted that during her visit to Syria on December 4, Security Council members "saw firsthand both the opportunities opening up for the country and the challenges it faces."
According to her, the Syrians, celebrating in early December events culminating in the political transition on December 8, 2024, "reaffirmed their unwavering belief in peace, stability, prosperity and justice for their country – despite the obvious and serious challenges they face."
Among the positive steps, DiCarlo cited the restoration of state institutions, the beginning of the integration of armed forces under a unified command, the adoption of a constitutional declaration, the formation of a new cabinet, and the holding of indirect legislative elections in October. National Dialogue Day was also held, and the People's Council and Constitutional Court may be fully formed soon.
In addition, a number of countries have lifted bilateral sanctions against Syria. DiCarlo recalled that “just yesterday the US Congress repealed the Caesar Act, and last month the Security Council adopted Resolution 2799, which removed sanctions designations with President Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab."
Unstable situation
Despite the decline in violence, the situation remains volatile. "The situation on the ground remains fragile, and intercommunal dynamics remain tense," the UN representative said.
"Unfortunately, these tensions have erupted into violence over the past year," she said, citing large-scale clashes in coastal areas in March, a terrorist attack on a church in Damascus in June, and violence in the predominantly Druze province of As-Suwayda in July.
DiCarlo stressed that the United Nations "unequivocally condemns the violence" and called for transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible.
Regional security issues
Israeli strikes in the south of the country are particularly concerning. According to the rapporteur, at the end of November, "as a result of the invasion and accompanying IDF strikes on the city of Beit Jinn, 13 people were killed," and local residents were forced to flee their homes.
She reiterated the Secretary-General's call on Israel to "refrain from violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and stressed the need to respect the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement. "The resumption of dialogue between Syria and Israel on security issues is urgently needed," she said.
Terrorist threats
DiCarlo also noted the ongoing focus on counterterrorism, as well as concerns about the presence of foreign fighters and the possible resurgence of ISIS (Daesh). She recalled the recent attack on a joint US-Syrian patrol near Palmyra, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
At the same time, the proliferation of weapons creates additional threats, and mines and unexploded ordnance “continue to kill and maim Syrians daily.”
According to DiCarlo, this underscores the need for the political transition to be accompanied by "Syria's security sector reform program, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration measures."
Humanitarian situation
Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya delivered a humanitarian briefing on behalf of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator. She noted that the "hope sparked a year ago" remains encouraging, but stressed the need for "vigorous and consistent international support."
According to her, one of the most visible signs of Syrians' faith in the future was the return of people home. "Two million internally displaced persons have returned – many after years of living in camps," she said, adding that "more than 1.3 million people have returned from neighboring countries."
At the same time, many are returning “to damaged or destroyed homes and communities with extremely limited access to basic services and jobs,” so they will continue to need humanitarian assistance.
UN humanitarian agencies have been able to simplify and streamline operations and now provide assistance to 3.4 million people each month – “a 25 percent increase compared to last year, despite lower funding levels.”
"Rarely does a crisis of the scale of Syria offer such significant opportunities for turning the tide. The past year has given us reason for hope and encouraged us to redouble our efforts. We must seize this moment," Msuya emphasized.
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