Security Council debates precarious path forward for a new Syria

This article is published in association with United Nations.

Syria is undergoing a rocky transition after years of conflict and authoritarian rule. Despite tentative political progress, ongoing violence, deepening economic hardship and a worsening humanitarian crisis highlight the urgent and continued need for international support.

Four and a half months after the fall of the Assad regime, the interim authorities have begun taking formal steps towards political reform, the Security Council heard on Friday.

These include the formation of a broader, more diverse cabinet and initial plans to establish an interim People’s Assembly.

However, the process remains tenuous and incomplete, with many Syrians uncertain of their role in the country’s future.

Grave consequences of failure

“The challenges are huge, and the situation is extremely fragile,” UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen told ambassadors.

“There is a need for much more political inclusion – and for much more economic action. With a sea-change on both these elements, the political transition in Syria can succeed. Without both, it likely will not – and the consequences would be grave.”

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

In his briefing, Mr. Pedersen emphasised that Syria’s new leadership must broaden political participation and enact measures that address deep-seated grievances, particularly after the March violence against mainly ethnic Alawite communities in their coastal stronghold.

Aid programmes risk closure

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Over 70 percent of the population is in need of aid and more than half face food insecurity.

Despite some local improvements, especially in parts of Aleppo and the northeast, humanitarians warn that funding shortfalls are threatening life-saving operations.

Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, underscored that “we need more funding to sustain this work, let alone scale it further.”

She noted that to date, less than 10 per cent of the funds required for relief efforts for the first half of 2025 have been received.

Hospitals, food distribution and essential services are at risk of collapse without immediate support, she warned.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

A woman holds the new Syrian flag outside UN Headquarters in New York.

Syria’s new flag raised at UN

Earlier in the day, Syria’s new flag was raised alongside those of other Member States at UN Headquarters, as supporters gathered on Manhattan’s First Avenue.

The new three-starred flag – one more than the Assad-era banner – was used by groups opposing the old regime and its forces.

US call for action

The United States called on Syria’s interim authorities to be more politically inclusive, strengthen governance and ensure full accountability for past atrocities.

Acting Representative Dorothy Shea welcomed the formation of a new cabinet as a potential step forward, stressing more must be done to appoint qualified and representative public servants.

“As we have repeatedly made clear, we will hold Syrian interim authorities accountable for the following steps,” she said, including full renunciation and suppression of terrorism, adoption of a policy of non-aggression towards neighbouring States, and excluding foreign terrorist fighters from office.

She added that Syria must also prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting its territory, and that it must destroy weapons of mass destruction, assist in the recovery of US citizens disappeared in Syria as well as ensure the security and freedoms of all Syrians.

Russia calls for accountability

Russia said it supports efforts to promote national cohesion and continued engagement with all communities, including ethno-religious minorities.

Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, added however, that his country is alarmed by the instability in coastal regions, especially in Latakia and Tartus, where recent violence has disproportionately affected Alawite civilians.

He took note of the extension of the independent investigative committee examining the killings, expressing hope for a comprehensive, transparent, independent and impartial investigation which holds perpetrators accountable.

He noted that Russia continues to support Syria’s humanitarian recovery and recently contributed $5 million to the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

Ambassador Nebenzia pledged mutually beneficial cooperation with authorities in Damascus. 

“We believe that the Syrian people will manage to surmount all of the challenges which they face, and we stand ready to do everything possible to bring this about,” he added.

UK lifts key sanctions

The United Kingdom underscored its support for Syria’s transition, highlighting progress such as the formation of the interim government and steps toward reconciliation.

Deputy Permanent Representative James Kariuki welcomed recent government initiatives, highlighting the importance of such consultations to build a stable and unified country.

He also stated that and after years of war and brutality under the Assad regime, issues related to transitional justice and accountability must be prioritised.

He acknowledged Syria’s participation in international financial discussions and announced that earlier this week, the UK lifted unilateral sanctions in sectors like energy and finance to support reconstruction efforts.

“We hope these steps will help remove barriers to investment in Syria’s economy, especially in the energy and electricity generation sector, which are essential for Syria’s reconstruction,” Mr. Kariuki noted.

China urges action against terrorists

China welcomed the political transition in Syria, saying inclusive governance must be at the heart of the process.

Ambassador Fu Cong called on all Syrian factions to pursue national reconciliation through dialogue, under the principles outlined in Security Council resolution 2254.

He emphasised the importance of protecting all Syrians, while expressing concern over the recent civilian killings in coastal areas – urging a thorough investigation.

Ambassador Fu also underscored Syria’s responsibility to combat terrorism effectively and without double standards.

“Foreign terrorist fighters remain a serious threat,” he said, calling on interim authorities to target all recognised terrorist groups.

France calls for international support

France also expressed support for Syria’s ongoing transition, calling it a historic moment to rebuild the nation based on justice, unity and inclusion.

Speaking in his national capacity, Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont – who holds the Council Presidency for April – noted the plans for a national dialogue, while stressing the importance of transitional justice to hold perpetrators accountable.

He urged Syrian authorities to follow through with investigations into the March violence in coastal areas and to support international mechanisms that address decades of human rights abuses.

On the humanitarian front, he stressed the massive unmet needs and called for unhindered access and robust international funding for relief efforts.

UN Photo/Loey Felipe

A wide view of the UN Security Council chamber as members meet on the situation in Syria.

‘Let us seize this defining moment’: Syria

Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani, interim Foreign Minister of Syria, referred to the raising of the new Syrian flag on Friday in New York as a symbol of resilience and a promise of change, following decades of pain.

He highlighted key progress in recent months, including the preservation of State institutions, the formation of a transitional government, dissolution of armed factions and the launch of inclusive national dialogue.  

However, Syria continues to face severe challenges, he said, such as the brutal attacks by those loyal to the former regime against civilians in western Syria in March.

Mr. Al-Shaibani also noted the burden of international sanctions which are hindering reconstruction, deterring investment and obstructing the delivery of essential services.

“These restrictive measures imposed against the previous regime prevent capital and expertise from entering our country, while allowing illicit networks to flourish,” he said, noting that such measures also reinforce extremist narratives that oppose international collaboration.

“Those who demand more from Syria are the same ones who insist on maintaining many sanctions imposed against it,” he added.

“Let us seize this defining moment … Syrians are ready to reshape the future of their country and to set a new paradigm for what a successful post-conflict transition looks like anywhere in the world. We hope that you will be our partners in this path.”