New York: Syria’s political transition remains crucial amidst the country’s compounding humanitarian, security, and environmental challenges, top UN officials told the Security Council today, underscoring the need to bridge the woefully underfunded humanitarian response and enable progress from relief to recovery. Syria’s transition has been rocked this past month by violence and escalation that led to mass casualties, drained trust, and created more dangers of fragmentation, declared Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, stressing: “It is clear that some major course corrections on security and the political transition are needed.”
According to EMM, the appalling outbreak of violence in Sweida began with mutual kidnappings on July 12, escalating into armed local clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups. Although an initial ceasefire was announced, it collapsed, leading to fresh accusations of violations and the circulation of disturbing footage of extrajudicial executions and other abuses. The first round of fighting resulted in hundreds of casualties among security forces, Druze fighters, and civilians, particularly Druze.
Recent weeks have highlighted Syria’s dual crises: a significant humanitarian catastrophe compounded by violence and climatic shocks, Edem Wosornu of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stressed. The recent violence displaced an estimated 175,000 people. Reports from the World Health Organization confirmed the killing of two doctors and the targeting of ambulances, prompting calls for the protection of people in conflict zones and safe access to medical care and humanitarian aid.
The humanitarian response in Syria remains severely underfunded, with only 12% of the $3.2 billion aid request met so far this year. The recent wildfires in Lattakia, exacerbated by severe drought conditions, further underscore the need for continued investment in humanitarian operations.
During discussions, many speakers welcomed the ceasefire and thanked regional partners for their efforts. Concerns were raised over Israeli military activity in Syria, with calls for accountability and an end to foreign interventions. The representative of the Russian Federation urged the UN to prioritize vulnerable communities and called for a UN mission to assess humanitarian needs.
Algeria’s delegate, speaking on behalf of several countries, emphasized the need for good faith implementation of the ceasefire and support for a Syrian-led political process. Meanwhile, France focused on the accelerated implementation of agreements to restore Syria’s unity and called for inclusive political transitions.
Security concerns dominated the discussions, with Panama highlighting the need for a professional unified force amidst the proliferation of non-State armed actors. The United States noted changes in sanctions policy, emphasizing support for Syria’s stabilization and counterterrorism efforts.
Regional voices, including Iran and Tunisia, condemned foreign interference and called for justice through credible mechanisms free from external manipulation. The Syrian delegate welcomed the lifting of certain sanctions, underscoring the need to address the grave humanitarian situation exacerbated by recent wildfires.