New York: Syrias 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.
According to EMM, Syrias 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 the need for major course corrections on security and political transition, he highlighted the appalling outbreak of violence in Sweida, which resulted from mutual kidnappings on 12 July and escalated into armed clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups.
While a ceasefire was announced, it collapsed amid fresh accusations of violations. Disturbing footage of extrajudicial executions and other atrocities circulated, reflecting the intense violence that led to hundreds of casualties among security forces, Druze fighters, and civilians, particularly among the Druze community.
Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized that recent violence has displaced an estimated 175,000 people. She cited World Health Organization (WHO) reports confirming the killing of two doctors and the targeting of ambulances, calling for the protection of civilians and aid workers and safe access to medical care and humanitarian relief.
Despite some aid convoys reaching Sweida, humanitarian access remains limited. Wosornu called for continued investment in Syria's large-scale humanitarian operation, noting that only 12 per cent of this year's $3.2 billion aid request has been met. She also highlighted the impact of wildfires in Lattakia, exacerbated by severe drought conditions.
In the Security Council's discussion, many welcomed the ceasefire in Syria. Hamish Falconer of the United Kingdom thanked the United States and regional partners for their efforts. Several delegates, including those from China and Greece, condemned Israeli military actions in Syria and called for accountability and protection for all communities.
The Russian Federation's representative urged the UN to prioritize vulnerable minority communities and conduct independent investigations into the violence in Sweida. Other representatives stressed the importance of consistent and depoliticized humanitarian support to rebuild essential systems over time.
On the political front, Frances delegate called for implementing the 10 March agreement to restore Syria's unity peacefully. The Republic of Korea's representative urged for an electoral system that represents all Syrians, while Norway's Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted the need for an inclusive political transition.
Panama's representative underscored the urgent need to establish a unified professional security force amidst Syria's fragmented security structures. The United States delegate announced the end of the broader Syria sanctions program, urging the Council to adjust sanctions to support Syria's stabilization.
Regional voices, including Iran's and Tunisia's representatives, deplored foreign interference, particularly Israeli actions in Syria. They called for justice free from foreign manipulation and demanded full withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan.
In response to these developments, Syria's delegate welcomed the lifting of sanctions and highlighted the humanitarian situation worsened by recent wildfires. He called for turning the page on sanctions and supported recommendations for creating an independent national human rights institution.