New York: Syria’s political transition is at a critical juncture as the country grapples with severe humanitarian, security, and environmental challenges, leading United Nations officials to urge significant course corrections in security and political measures during a Security Council meeting.
According to EMM, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, highlighted that recent violence in Sweida has exacerbated existing tensions, resulting in mass casualties and a heightened risk of fragmentation. The violence, which began with mutual kidnappings on 12 July and escalated into clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups, underscores the urgent need for security and political reforms. The situation deteriorated further with reports of extrajudicial executions, desecration of corpses, and property destruction, leading to hundreds of casualties, including civilians.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is profound, with Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, noting that recent violence displaced an estimated 175,000 people. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the deaths of two doctors and targeted attacks on ambulances. Humanitarian access remains restricted, despite efforts to reach Sweida with aid convoys, highlighting the urgent need for safe access to medical care and humanitarian relief.
As Syria faces one of the largest humanitarian crises globally, compounded by wildfires in Lattakia and severe drought conditions, the United Nations and its partners have mobilized emergency responses. However, only 12 percent of the $3.2 billion humanitarian aid request for Syria has been funded, emphasizing the need for sustained investment to transition from relief to recovery. Recent positive developments include steps to ease unilateral sanctions and a grant from the World Bank to support electricity supply.
In the Security Council discussion, several members stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and called for accountability and the cessation of foreign interventions. Concerns were raised over Israeli military activities in Syria, with calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Syrian territories. The need for transparency and inclusivity in Syria’s political transition was a recurring theme, with calls for a representative electoral system and protection of all communities.
The international community’s role in ensuring a successful political transition is crucial, with calls for avoiding turning Syria into a battleground for international conflicts. The lifting of sanctions was welcomed as a step towards supporting Syria’s stabilization and economic recovery. The Syrian delegate highlighted the importance of addressing the grave humanitarian situation and welcomed discussions on lifting sanctions and ensuring justice through credible mechanisms.