Syria at a crossroads: UN warns fragile transition needs global support

The UN on Monday hailed the determination of Syrians working to rebuild their country but cautioned that sustained international engagement is essential to keep the transition from the chaos of a year ago on track – amid ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.

“Syrians astonished the world by overcoming years of authoritarian rule – marking the first real chance in generations to reshape their country’s future after decades of conflict, unfathomable brutality and profound human suffering,” said UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi.

She said Syrians have shown “remarkable courage” over the past year despite hardship and uncertainty.

Justice and accountability

Significant progress has been made since the former government collapsed.

National commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons were established earlier this year, finally opening the way for accountability.

UN access for rights monitoring and judicial reform has improved, and international engagement with Syrian institutions has expanded.

Robert Petit, head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria – which aims to support future prosecutions of crimes committed under the old regime – highlighted that the past year has seen progress in gathering and analysing evidence for future prosecutions.

He welcomed the creation of Syria’s new national justice bodies as “a significant and welcome development,” while noting that key questions remain about the scope of transitional justice.

“The opportunities before us today did not exist a year ago,” Mr. Petit said.

Rebuilding trust

During a Security Council visit to Syria last week, Council President and Slovenian Ambassador Samuel Žbogar said the body’s mission was centred on rebuilding “trust.”

“We came here to build trust – to build our trust in your efforts for a better future and to build your trust in the intentions of the Security Council and the United Nations,” he told reporters in Damascus, after meetings with Syrian leaders, civil society, religious figures and communities affected by recent violence.

He stressed that Syria’s path forward must remain “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned,” with the international community ready to support.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

A woman holds the new Syrian flag outside UN Headquarters in New York. (April 2025)

Challenges remain

Yet serious challenges persist – renewed sectarian violence aimed at predominantly Alawite coastal areas, or Druze communities in Sweida and other governorates over recent months has triggered new displacement and deepened fears among Syrians still recovering from 14 years of war.

Millions also remain in deep humanitarian need, with many forced to spend another winter in tents or in damaged homes.

The UN Secretary-General, in a separate anniversary message, said that while humanitarian needs remain immense, progress has been made in restoring essential services, expanding access for aid and creating pathways for returns. He emphasized that the transition must lead to tangible improvements in daily life for Syrians.

© UNICEF/Khalil Ashawi

Drone footage of the town of Latamneh in Hama, which was completely destroyed during the conflict. Mines and unexploded ordnance continue to litter the area, posing deadly risk for civilians, especially children.

A historic crossroads

Despite ongoing insecurity, UN officials underline that the country stands at a historic crossroads.

Mr. Petit described the first post-Assad year as “a milestone in a journey that will span years,” adding that justice “must be inclusive and grounded in meticulous evidence and due process.”

Ms. Rochdi echoed that message, saying the transition’s success depends on sustained commitment.

“Within this moment lies something truly remarkable: the chance to continue to rebuild fractured communities, and to forge a Syria in which every person can stand equal in dignity, opportunity and rights,” she said.