New York: Syrias political transition remains crucial amidst the countrys 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.
According to EMM, the recent violence and escalation in Syria have led to mass casualties, drained trust, and increased the risk of fragmentation. Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, emphasized the need for major course corrections on security and political transition. The situation escalated with mutual kidnappings on 12 July, leading to armed local clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups in Sweida, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including civilians.
The violence has displaced an estimated 175,000 people, highlighting Syria as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, compounded by climatic shocks. Edem Wosornu from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs called for protection of people caught in conflict zones and for safe access to medical care and humanitarian relief.
With the violence in the south and wildfires in Lattakia displacing over 1,100 people, the UN and partners allocated $625,000 from the Syria Humanitarian Fund for emergency response. Despite these efforts, only 12% of the $3.2 billion humanitarian aid request for Syria has been funded, emphasizing the need for continued investment in the humanitarian operation.
In discussions, speakers welcomed the ceasefire, with concerns voiced over Israeli military activity in Syria, which some argue risks further instability. Calls were made for accountability, transparent investigations, and an end to foreign interventions. The representative of the Russian Federation emphasized the need for independent investigations into recent violence.
On the political front, representatives stressed the importance of an inclusive political transition, with calls for a unified electoral system that represents all Syrians. Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway, underscored the need for international support to ensure a successful transition in Syria.
Security concerns were raised, highlighting the need for a unified force amidst fragmented security structures and foreign fighter threats. The United States announced changes to its sanctions programme, urging adjustments to support Syria’s stabilization efforts.
Regional voices, including Iran and Tunisia, decried foreign interference, particularly criticizing Israel’s actions in Syria. Trkiye’s representative called for de-escalation and Israeli non-aggression, advocating support for Damascus.
Syria’s delegate welcomed the lifting of certain sanctions and called for measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the country. The delegate highlighted the need for a national human rights institution and emphasized turning the page on sanctions to improve conditions in Syria.
