Category: 27-7

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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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 DiCarlo recalled that “just yesterday the US Congress repealed the Caesar Act, and last month the Security Council adopted Resolution 2799, which removed sanctions designations with President Sharaa and Interior Minister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.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 18, 2025 Refugees and migrants

Migration is one of the defining trends of our time and continues to have a significant impact on global development. The UN reminds us of this.International Migrants Day, which is celebrated on December 18.

The 2025 theme, “My contribution to culture and development matters,” emphasizes that human mobility remains a key driver of progress, strengthening economies and ties between communities.

Benefits and risks of migration

In his message, the UN Secretary-GeneralAntonio GuterresHe noted that migration is a powerful engine of progress, promoting economic growth and the development of cultural ties, benefiting both the countries of origin and the countries of destination. Migrants play a vital role in filling labor shortages, stimulating innovation, and maintaining demographic stability in many countries. Moreover, remittances to low- and middle-income countries are projected to reach a record $685 billion.

At the same time, this contribution can only be fully realized if migration is managed safely, orderly, and responsibly. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that when migration is poorly regulated or distorted in public discourse, it can fuel hatred and division, putting the lives of people seeking safety and new opportunities at risk.

Effective policies enable migrants to find stability, support their families, and build a new future, while host communities can maintain social and economic resilience.

Protect the rights of migrants

Since 2014, almost 70 thousand migrants died or went missing on land and sea routes around the world, although the actual numbers are likely significantly higher. Tighter border controls and increased smuggling and human trafficking activities are particularly acute for the most vulnerable displaced people, including women and children.

António Guterres recalled that seven years ago, the international community adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, seeking to maximize the benefits of migration while simultaneously addressing its challenges.

"We can and must harness the potential of migration to advance sustainable development and build more resilient societies. The first step is challenging ideological narratives that dehumanize migrants and replacing them with narratives of solidarity," the UN chief said in his message.

On this International Migrants Day, the UN calls for the protection of the rights of every migrant and for a concerted effort to ensure that all resettlement processes take place in dignity and safety.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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December 18, 2025 International law

A report released today by the UN Human Rights Office details mass killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture and abductions committed during a three-day offensive by the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) on the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons in April this year.

Civilian casualties

At least 1,013 civilians were killed during the offensive from April 11 to 13. The report describes these events as "a consistent pattern of serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law."

Of those killed, 319 were summarily executed—either within the camp or while attempting to escape. Some were killed in their homes during repeated searches of homes conducted by the Rapid Intervention Forces, while others were killed in the main market, schools, medical facilities, and mosques. The attack forced more than 400,000 camp residents to flee their homes once again.

Brutal murders

One of the surviving community leaders recounted how two RSF soldiers poked rifles through small holes in the window of the room where he was hiding with ten other men and opened fire, randomly killing eight of them. A woman who returned to the camp the day after the deadly attack, searching for her missing 15-year-old son, said, "The camp was empty. I saw bodies scattered along the roads. Only chickens, donkeys, and sheep were wandering around." She never found her son that day.

Sexual violence

"Such deliberate killings of civilians or individuals no longer participating in hostilities may amount to the war crime of murder," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. "An impartial, thorough, and effective investigation into the attack on Zamzam must be conducted, and those responsible for serious violations of international law must be held accountable through fair trials."

The findings of this report are yet another stark reminder of the need for urgent action to end cycles of atrocities and violence, and to hold perpetrators accountable and provide reparations to victims.

The report also details patterns of conflict-related sexual violence. At least 104 victims—75 women, 26 girls, and 3 boys, most of whom were of the Zaghawa ethnic group—were subjected to severe forms of sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, both during attacks on the camp and along evacuation routes.

"Sexual violence appears to have been deliberately used to intimidate the community," the report said.

Food blockade

In the months leading up to the attack, the RSF blocked the entry of food, water, fuel, and other supplies vital to the survival of the camp's civilian population, and systematically attacked those attempting to deliver aid, the report notes. Around 26 people were detained and reportedly executed on the road between Zamzam camp and the town of Tawila—apparently as a warning against any attempts to deliver food to the camp. To survive, many families were forced to feed their children animal feed, such as peanut husks.

Ending the cycle of violence

“These horrific patterns of violations committed with impunity are consistent with what my Office has documented on numerous occasions, including during the capture of El Fasher by the RSF in late October,” said High Commissioner Volker Türk.

"The findings of this report are yet another stark reminder of the need for urgent action to end cycles of atrocities and violence, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to provide reparations to victims," Türk emphasized. "The world must not stand idly by and watch as such brutality becomes the norm in Sudan. All states, especially those with influence, must do everything possible to prevent atrocities."

Call to stop violations

The head of the UN Human Rights Office reiterated his call on all States to take urgent action to prevent parties to the conflict from violating international law and to increase pressure to end the violence – in Darfur, Kordofan and beyond, including by halting the supply, sale and transfer of arms that continue to fuel the conflict.

He also called for diplomatic efforts to end the fighting and achieve a sustainable settlement to the conflict.

The report is based on monitoring by the UN Human Rights Office, including interviews with 155 victims and witnesses, conducted in July 2025 in eastern Chad.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.