Published on: 2026-09-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 17, 2026 Peace and Security
Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the UN for Syria Claudio Cordone told the UN Security Council that the country continues to make progress in the development of state institutions but still faces serious economic difficulties and security challenges.
Speaking at the Security Council meeting on Thursday, Cordone noted progress in the development of new state institutions, including the work of the People’s Assembly, which began reviewing the budget and a number of draft laws, as well as paying significant attention to issues of education and parliamentary oversight.
According to a UN representative, during trips to various regions of the country, he felt that the Syrians genuinely strive to create an inclusive state.
“Local officials and civil society representatives in different parts of the country expressed a strong commitment to building a Syria where everyone would feel a sense of belonging to society, with representative institutions, accountability practices for both the past and the present, as well as a tangible improvement in people’s lives with sustainable international support,” Cordone said.
He reported on the ongoing dialogue with the Syrian authorities regarding preparations for future parliamentary and presidential elections in accordance with the new constitution. According to him, the UN is ready to support the process of constitutional reform and the organization of elections in Syria.
Among the positive economic signals, the diplomat mentioned the resumption of international payments through Visa and Mastercard after Syria’s removal from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, as well as the growing interest in the country from international financial institutions and businesses. However, he emphasized that many Syrians have not yet felt improvements in their daily lives.
Situation in the northeast of the country
Separate attention in the report of the Deputy Special Envoy was given to the situation in northeastern Syria, where the integration of former Syrian Democratic Forces structures into state institutions continues. At the same time, Cordone expressed concern about individual cases of violence and called for investigations to be conducted.
He also described the situation in the Suwayda province as alarming, where clashes continue and tension remains in the relations between the local population and the central authorities.
UN News Service Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria Claudio Cordone.
Israel’s actions in southern Syria
Speaking about Israel’s presence in southern Syria, the UN representative reminded of the need to comply with international agreements and respect the sovereignty of the country.
“The Secretary-General clearly stated: violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must cease, and the 1974 Agreement must be adhered to,” the rapporteur reminded. “Security issues cannot be resolved through unilateral military actions or indefinite military presence. Diplomacy must prevail.”
In conclusion to his speech, Cordone emphasized that Syria’s achievements deserve international recognition and support, but further progress will require strengthening accountable institutions, expanding political participation, protecting civil liberties, and continuing the national reconciliation process.
“It is impossible to restore the economy on a minefield”
The report on the current humanitarian situation in Syria was presented at the Security Council meeting by the Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher. According to him, since December 2024, over two million internally displaced persons and 1.8 million Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned home, marking the largest wave of population return in the past two decades.
At the same time, a UN representative warned that the country’s recovery remains a fragile process. According to the organization, about 5.5 million people within Syria have still not been able to return to their permanent residences, and nearly 800,000 of them continue to live in camps for displaced persons. The lack of housing, schools, and access to clean water creates the risk of a new wave of displacement even among those who have already returned.
Fletcher also drew attention to the worsening economic situation against the backdrop of rising regional tensions. According to him, disruptions in international trade routes have led to increases in the prices of fuel, food, and medicines. The cost of a minimum set of goods and services for households has risen by 33 percent compared to June 2025, and in some areas, electricity tariffs have increased severalfold.
Mines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a particular threat to the country’s recovery. Since December 2024, they have caused the deaths of 880 people, including 269 children.
“It is impossible to rebuild the economy on a minefield,” Fletcher emphasized, calling on the international community to increase investments in Syria’s reconstruction and support efforts to clear the country’s landmines.
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