Published on: 2026-08-27
Source: United Nations
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August 27, 2026 Peace and Security
Some progress has been observed in Syria in stabilizing the political situation and restoring the country; however, internal contradictions and regional tensions may jeopardize the achievements. This was stated by UN representatives on Thursday during a meeting of the Security Council.
The Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, Claudio Cordone, speaking from Damascus, reminded that last month the Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres visited Syria. This was the first visit of the UN chief to the country in 17 years.
At meetings with high-ranking government officials, the Secretary-General welcomed progress in the political transition, including steps to strengthen state institutions, reconciliation, accountability, and transitional justice.
At the same time, Guterres emphasized that the success of the transition will ultimately depend on whether all Syrians feel they are represented in state institutions and can genuinely participate in determining the future of their country.
Kordon welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. According to him, this should create more favorable conditions for economic recovery, investment, and international cooperation. The International Monetary Fund mission, which visited Damascus last month, forecasts double-digit economic growth for Syria in 2026. At the same time, widespread poverty and a new wave of inflation mean that the situation for most Syrians remains difficult.
Photo UN/E. Debebe Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria Claudio Cordone (on screen) speaks before the Security Council.
One of the most important tasks remains the creation of a permanent constitution. The process of its preparation is not yet defined. The UN calls for it to be inclusive, transparent, and open to the participation of various groups in society, as well as to begin preparations for elections at the end of the transitional period.
An important part of the transitional process remains justice. This month, a criminal court in Damascus sentenced several former high-ranking officials to death, including former President Bashar al-Assad, who was tried in absentia. In accordance with UN policy, Cordone called on the Syrian authorities to impose a moratorium on all executions.
Cordone also expressed concern about Israel’s ongoing military activity in southern Syria, including ground raids, house searches, and the destruction of private and agricultural property. He stated that Israel’s presence east of the ceasefire line violates Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemned the Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase on August 18.
At the same time, the UN representative welcomed direct contacts between Israel and Syria and the negotiations in Jordan. “Diplomacy must prevail, and negotiations should proceed within the framework of international law,” Cordone stated.
Serious security problems persist inside the country. Although the overall level of violence decreased in August compared to July, reports of murders, disappearances, and deaths in custody continue. ISIS remains a serious threat.
At the same time, the UN welcomed progress in the integration of the northeast of the country following the August 25 meeting between President al-Sharaa and Mazlum Abdi. Cordone noted Abdi’s announcement of the completion of the Syrian Democratic Forces mission and their disbandment, and reiterated the UN’s support for the ongoing integration process.
Millions of Syrians still need assistance
The humanitarian situation was reported to the Security Council by the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Indrika Ratwatte. He spoke on behalf of the Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.
Ratwatte, who visited Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Aleppo, and Idlib last week, noted signs of recovery after many years of conflict, population displacements, and economic decline.
“Syria is at a turning point, and the Syrians are hoping for a stable and prosperous future,” he stated.
More and more people are returning home, energy and transport networks are gradually being restored, and commercial activity is increasing. According to available data, this year’s wheat harvest may allow Syria to achieve seasonal self-sufficiency.
However, humanitarian needs remain immense. Millions of people still face difficulties accessing medical care, food, clean water, education, and livelihoods.
Since December 2024, nearly two million internally displaced persons and over 1.7 million refugees have returned home – the largest voluntary population return in the region in more than ten years. However, more than 5.5 million people still remain internally displaced, including 833 thousand living in over 1,200 camps.
Mines and unexploded ordnance pose a particular danger. Since December 2024, about 1,400 incidents related to them have resulted in 865 deaths and nearly 1,600 injuries.
“Farmers work on their land. Shepherds drive the cattle. Children play outside. Everyday activities can carry a deadly risk,” Ratwatte said.
In the first half of this year, the UN and its partners provided assistance to an average of 2.4 million people each month. The Syrian Humanitarian Fund allocated 70 million dollars to support the safe return of people, community integration, demining, and emergency assistance. An additional five million dollars will be directed to help the most vulnerable communities in the south of the country.
However, the humanitarian plan for Syria is funded by only 30 percent – despite the fact that the requested amount had already been reduced by a third.
On behalf of Tom Fletcher, Ratwatte called on the international community to continue financing humanitarian aid and reconstruction, to support long-term solutions for displaced persons and returning Syrians, and to prevent the country from being drawn into a new regional conflict.
“Now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to invest in stability and progress,” he said.
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