Published on: 2026-06-23
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 22, 2026 Peace and Security
Syria is experiencing a critical stage of political transition, during which opportunities for restoration are accompanied by serious risks. This was stated by UN representatives at a Security Council meeting dedicated to the situation in the country.
Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Claudio Cordone emphasized that the political process needs further advancement, including the formation of legislative bodies.
Formation of the parliament
According to Cordone, eight months after the main elections, the People’s Assembly of Syria has not yet started its work, as the appointment of an additional third of the deputies by the president is still expected.
“It is necessary for Syria that the People’s Assembly begins its work. And it is necessary that all Syrians — including Syrian women and representatives of various social layers — feel that they are truly represented in it,” he said.
Justice requirements
In recent weeks in Idlib, Aleppo, Hama, Damascus, and other cities, demonstrations have taken place demanding that those responsible for crimes committed during the conflict be held accountable. In some cases, the protests were accompanied by outbreaks of violence.
Kordone emphasized the importance of developing a law on the transfer of jurisdiction.
“To ensure trust in the transition process and the construction of a new Syria, it is extremely important that the rule of law apply to all those guilty of committing serious crimes, and not only to those connected with the Assad regime,” he noted.
Integration and trust
The speaker reported on the advancement of the implementation of the agreement between the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as well as on the progress regarding the return of Kurdish families. Unresolved remain the issues of integrating the police, the status of women’s self-defense units, local administrative bodies, and the educational system.
“At the same time, no progress is observed in the implementation of the roadmap for strengthening trust and reintegration in Al-Suwaida, adopted in September 2025. The core problems that contributed to the outbreak of violence in July 2025 remain unresolved, including issues concerning the accountability of those responsible,” noted the deputy Special Envoy.
Regional conflict
The border warned that Israeli military activity continues in the south of Syria.
“We again urgently call on Israel to comply with the 1974 Agreement, release illegally detained persons, and also respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria,” he stated.
The UN also welcomes the ongoing efforts of the Syrian authorities to shield Syria from broader regional conflicts. According to available data, the Syrian security forces thwarted attempts to smuggle missiles from Syria into Lebanon and carried out additional operations aimed against cross-border smuggling.
Millions of Syrians are returning home
Indrik Ratvatte, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, speaking at the meeting, reported that about 1.6 million Syrian refugees and almost two million internally displaced persons have returned home since December 2024.
“Nevertheless, humanitarian needs remain acute, the problem of population displacement persists, and the conditions for a sustainable return are still uneven across different regions of the country,” he noted.
According to a representative of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, about two million people received food assistance in the first quarter of this year, and more than three million have access to water and sanitation services.
At the same time, only 20 percent of the necessary 2.92 billion dollars was provided for the implementation of the humanitarian plan for Syria.
Foci of instability
As Ratvatte noted, particular concern is caused by the situation of the population in the province of Al-Quneitra and Es-Suwayda.
In Al-Quneitra, the consequences of the long-standing conflict are exacerbated by military operations, movement restrictions, and the presence of unexploded ordnance. According to UN data, about 80 percent of the province’s residents are in need of humanitarian aid.
Recent outbreaks of violence in El-Es-Suweida have led to new population displacements and restricted access to basic services.
Support for restoration
The UN emphasizes that Syria has received a real chance to transition from a survival regime to recovery. However, this requires continued humanitarian aid, political will, investments in infrastructure restoration, and the creation of conditions for sustainable development.
“We must simultaneously meet the urgent needs of people and lay the foundations for long-term stability and prosperity,” Ratwatte said.
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