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Syria Needs International Support on 'Epic Scale', Special Envoy Tells Security Council, Stressing Threat of Renewed Conflict 'Ever Present'

Meetings Coverage
Security Council

9983rd Meeting (AM)

SC/16150
21 August 2025

Syria needs tangible international support on an "epic scale", a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as he warned that — while violence in Sweida has largely subsided following a ceasefire — the threat of renewed conflict is ever present.

In Sweida, the ceasefire agreed on 19 July has come under strain, but, so far, has prevented a slide back into open conflict, said Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, welcoming the efforts of the United States, Jordan and the Syrian authorities in forming a trilateral working group to support the ceasefire.

However, "we are still seeing dangerous hostilities and skirmishes on the margins of Sweida, and violence could resume at any moment", he warned, adding that the ceasefire risks remaining fragile — "an interim truce rather than the foundation for lasting stability". While Israel's air strikes have subsided following the latest ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces ground operations in southwest Syria have continued. Urging respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, he commended a ministerial-level meeting between Syria and Israel in Paris this week.

Underscoring the importance of free and fair elections in Syria, he said that his office continues to engage with the Supreme Committee for Elections on their work, and now awaits confirmation of the electoral timeframe and the distribution of seats across governorates. "Success in this process demands measures that ensure transparency and openness, and where all major Syrian groups — not just trusted individuals — are included as electors and candidates," he stated, calling for the equal participation of women and civil society.

While recent decisions to lift certain sanctions represent "a significant step", these measures must be sustained and broadened. Accordingly, he called for a genuine political transition that lays the path for long-term stability and sustainable governance. He emphasized that, without credible reforms, stronger institutions, and a firm commitment to the rule of law, "international support risks being squandered or misdirected".

Humanitarian Crisis 'Not Over', 16 Million People Need Assistance

Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, warned that "the humanitarian crisis is not over," noting that 16 million Syrians still need support, and more than 185,000 people have been displaced in recent clashes. He described the situation as "dire": aid convoys have come under fire, hospitals have been attacked and road closures have hampered access. "We need better humanitarian and commercial access. And most of all, we need safety," he said, insisting on the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.

Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the UN and partners are "reaching almost 3.5 million people each month", scaling up nutrition, subsidized bread, immunizations and rehabilitating hospitals, wells and sewer networks. He also welcomed progress on cross-border access, non-governmental organization visas and cooperation with Syrian authorities, but noted that "more is needed". "With more resources [...] we can restore water services for an additional 5 million people," he stated, warning, however, that the Syria appeal is "only 14 per cent funded".

Looking ahead, he stressed that humanitarian aid alone cannot solve Syria's crisis. "The Syrian people do not want to depend on humanitarian help," he said, welcoming new investments in infrastructure and energy as signs of progress. He also welcomed the easing of sanctions and called for expanded development support and concrete steps to enable recovery, noting that "returns will prove short-lived without increased international assistance".

In the ensuing discussion, delegates expressed concern over continued insecurity and violent clashes that are impeding humanitarian access to Sweida, underscoring the need to ensure accountability for human rights violations and advance Syria's political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015).

Syria at Crossroads

While the ceasefire in Syria has "significantly abated imminent security threats", the Republic of Korea's speaker noted that the country's "uncertain political landscape continues to cloud its horizon for a successful and inclusive transition".

"Syria is at a crossroads," concurred France's delegate, adding that, after decades of dictatorship and war, "an inclusive peaceful Syria is possible". However, this transition remains fragile, and the international community must help the Syrian authorities "to banish the demons of the past", she said, noting that "there can be no return to civil peace without the establishment of a transitional justice process".

Donors Pledge Humanitarian Assistance

"While we have seen stabilization in parts of Syria, the humanitarian consequences of 14 years of war remain severe," observed Denmark's delegate, noting that the country hosts one of the largest humanitarian response operations in the world. Copenhagen, she added, pledges around $95 million to the Syria crisis response in 2025. From Aleppo to Idlib, Homs and Al-Hasakeh, fragile and deeply degraded towns and cities remain in urgent need of rehabilitation, she stressed, expressing concern over the recent violence in Sweida and its humanitarian consequences.

The United Kingdom's delegate commended humanitarian actors in honour of World Humanitarian Day, commemorated on 19 August, stressing that "needs in Syria remain immense", and voiced concern over limited access in the south of the country despite the ceasefire. London has pledged an additional $2.2 million in aid for healthcare, food and clean water for the displaced. Welcoming the Commission of Inquiry's report on the coastal region, he urged Damascus to "pursue accountability for those responsible, regardless of affiliation" and ensure justice for victims.

Outrage over Attacks on Aid Workers

The representative of Panama, Council President for the month, spoke in his national capacity to recall that, on 8 August, a Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy was attacked in Dara'a. Despite these challenges, four UN-backed convoys managed to deliver vital assistance in Sweida. "This effort exemplifies the perseverance and commitment of humanitarian personnel in the face of adverse conditions," he said, stressing that "unhindered humanitarian aid is non-negotiable under any circumstances".

Violence against Civilians, Abuse of Women, Girls Must End

Calling for an immediate end to violence across Syria, Slovenia's delegate sounded the alarm over reports of crimes — including executions, arbitrary killings, kidnappings, looting and the destruction of property. "Of particular concern are reports of abductions, trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls, especially those from Druze and Alawite communities," she stressed. Deeply concerned over emerging patterns in the abuse of women — including abuses perpetrated by armed combatants — she asserted: "This must stop immediately."

Importance of Free and Fair Elections, Accountability

Turning to an inclusive political transition in Syria, Greece's speaker cited the formation of a People's Assembly as "a crucial step". He welcomed the announcement of parliamentary elections in September for two thirds of the 210 seats, "provided all Syrians can participate as candidates and voters" — including Christians, Alawites, Druze, Bedouin and women. Noting that the recent sectarian violence has reinforced calls for a more democratic Syria, he underscored that its new Constitution must guarantee inclusivity, justice and fair representation for all religious and ethnic groups and communities. "The September elections will be an important test in this regard," he added.

Voicing concern over the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria's latest report of violence against civilians since January, the United States' representative urged the Syrian authorities to hold perpetrators of mass killings accountable. "A united, representative Syria requires a consistent, transparent and credible justice system," she stated, adding that "it is now on the Syrian Government" to take steps to arrest, detain and pursue measures against perpetrators.

Calls for Easing of Sanctions

The speaker for the Russian Federation called for impartial investigations into sectarian violence, urging Damascus to implement the Council's call for "a reliable, immediate, transparent, impartial and comprehensive investigation" to restore confidence among minorities. Condemning terrorist attacks, including the June assault on an Orthodox church, he pressed Syrian authorities to step up counter-terrorism while protecting religious sites. He further urged inclusive elections in September, reintegration of Kurds, and an end to "Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights and air strikes on Syrian territory", citing easing of unilateral sanctions as a "window of opportunity".

In the same vein, Iran's delegate welcomed the lifting of "illegal coercive measures" that worsen the crisis and block recovery. Further, he condemned Israeli strikes that "cause civilian casualties, destroy infrastructure and escalate tensions", reiterating that the Golan occupation is "in defiance of international law".

Recent developments in Sweida "once again demonstrate the destructive and destabilizing nature of Israeli policies in the region", echoed Türkiye's representative. He stressed that a centralized administration and a unified national army are "indispensable" to achieving the restoration of stability and security in the country. Ankara has accordingly stepped up its efforts to support Syria's capacity-building through training and advisory assistance. Despite facing many challenges, the Syrian administration has taken tangible steps in recent months toward restoring institutions, protecting sovereignty and serving its citizens, he observed, calling for the removal of remaining sanctions on that country.

Condemnation of Israel's Attacks

Qatar's representative, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, rejected external interference, attempts at division or illegal realities on the ground, strongly condemning "the violations by the Israeli occupying forces" as a "flagrant violation of international law".

China's delegate reaffirmed that Syria's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected and called Israel's occupation of the Golan "null and void".

Also denouncing the repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, including in Sweida, Dara'a, Damascus and the occupied Syrian Golan, Pakistan's representative described these acts as blatant violations of international law, threatening regional peace and obstructing Syria's path to recovery.

Algeria's delegate, speaking also on behalf of Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria, strongly condemned Israel's repeated military strikes in Syria as "flagrant violations of Syria's sovereignty, the 1974 disengagement agreement, international law and the UN Charter". He reaffirmed unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.

After over a decade of conflict, the Syrian people still face "violence and humanitarian deprivation on an unbearable scale", he continued. He cited the Commission of Inquiry's findings of grave violations in the coastal region, underscoring that "perpetrators of such crimes must not be allowed to act with impunity".

Israel Must Withdraw from Entire Syrian Territory

For his part, Syria's delegate called on the Council to condemn "Israeli attacks" and to press that country to withdraw its forces from his country's territory, including the occupied Golan Heights. The recent strikes on the presidential palace and military headquarters in Damascus are a "direct threat to sovereignty" and to regional peace and stability, he asserted.

Reaffirming Syria's commitment to "transparency and accountability", he noted cooperation with the International Commission of Inquiry and unprecedented access for investigators, as well as efforts to detain perpetrators of violence in Sweida. He further underscored that Sweida and its people remain an integral part of Syria's fabric, blaming "Israeli attempts to light the fires of sectarian strife" for recent unrest. Reiterating calls to lift coercive measures and close the sanctions file, he welcomed moves towards delisting procedures at the Council.