Delegate Urges Full Funding of Humanitarian Aid and End to Sanctions
As Syria begins a new chapter after the collapse of the former regime, the Security Council heard today about both promising opportunities and significant dangers at this critical time. Syria’s representative noted that the people are ready to move beyond oppression.
Geir O. Pedersen, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, highlighted that over the past month, Syria’s “caretaker authorities,” primarily composed of individuals from the former Idlib-based Government, have been consolidating their control. They have appointed several governors and met with various Syrian groups and foreign officials. However, instability persists, with reports of violent incidents in coastal regions, Homs, and Hama, and “combing operations” targeting former Administration officials. Pedersen emphasized the need for the caretaker authorities to “offer reassurance and trust to all communities in Syria.”
Pedersen mentioned that conflict continues in significant areas outside the caretaker authorities’ control. The north-east and parts of Aleppo city remain under SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] and YPG [People’s Protection Units] control, while Türkiye has indicated potential escalation of its military operations in the north-east. Israel is violating the 1974 disengagement agreement, with reports of the Israel Defense Forces using live ammunition against civilians, while the US-led coalition continues operations against ISIL/Da’esh.
He stressed the importance of broad political participation, noting that “key decisions” are being made that many Syrians feel should be reserved for a more inclusive transitional phase. These include state character and long-term policy decisions on security and education. Ahmed al-Sharaa mentioned in an interview that a national dialogue process would take place, but some Syrians are concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the timing, framework, goals, and procedures of the dialogue conference.
Pedersen pointed out that resolution 2254 (2015) cannot be applied literally since the former regime will not be part of any future process. “There is a need for new approaches and thinking on many fronts,” he said, stressing the importance of a transparent Syrian-led and owned transition. He urged the international community to ensure Syria receives the necessary economic support quickly, requiring a smooth end to sanctions and significant funding, including for reconstruction.
Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, also addressed the Council, echoing the need for long-term financial support. Sanctions should not hinder humanitarian aid, he said, noting that $20 million is urgently needed to expand humanitarian operations. Close to 13 million people still face acute food insecurity, with the World Food Programme (WFP) forced to reduce food assistance by 80 percent over the past two years.
While many displaced people from November and December have returned home, over 620,000 remain displaced as harsh winter conditions set in. In the north-west alone, 2 million people are in camps and informal sites. In Idlib, most civilians in an internally displaced persons camp want to return home but cite inadequate services, infrastructure damage, and unexploded ordnance. Health services, already weakened by conflict, have further scaled back, and the fighting in eastern Aleppo has affected water and electricity supplies for over 400,000 people. In the south, Israeli incursions have forced civilians, including children, to evacuate.
The UN is “continuing our engagement with the caretaker authorities on establishing new ways of working,” Fletcher emphasized, adding that the partnership seems “serious and genuine, but security remains a challenge.” He called on the Council to provide “clear assurances” that international humanitarian law will be respected, civilians protected, and humanitarian organizations allowed to operate freely.
Syria’s delegate, delivering a statement “based on the instructions of the Government of Syria,” said, “one month has passed since the dawn of freedom has broken.” Having removed the “chains of oppression,” Syrians look forward to achieving the aspirations “for which they sacrificed so much pure blood.” He highlighted preparations for a national dialogue conference to discuss next steps and affirmed that “the new Syria is willing to play a positive role in the international arena,” adding that “it will not engage in any conflict or war.”
Foreign actors, he stressed, should not act against the interests of the Syrian people or sow chaos and disunity. He highlighted the need for financing to meet humanitarian needs, pointing out that electricity is essential to support early recovery projects. He called for the full lifting of unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria, originally targeting the previous regime and its tools, and emphasized that Israeli forces should withdraw from recently entered areas.
Regional representatives also spoke, with Iran’s delegate reaffirming commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, “Decisions about Syria’s future must be made exclusively by the Syrian people, free from any external interference or imposition.” He noted
Egypt’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, expressed support for the current political process, noting that Arab countries “never abandoned Syria during its past plight.” Kuwait’s delegate, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, emphasized that “the stability of Syria is a cornerstone for the stability and security of the Middle East” and reaffirmed the group’s determination to assist Damascus at political, economic, developmental, and humanitarian levels. Both speakers condemned Israeli attacks on Syria, as did representatives from China and the Republic of Korea.
“Syria is a land of timeless history and the cradle of civilizations,” said Algeria’s delegate, Council President for January, speaking in his national capacity and on behalf of Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Somalia. He called on donors to fully fund Syria’s humanitarian response plan, stressing that aid alone is not enough and that lifting unilateral sanctions is crucial for recovery.
Russia’s representative noted that Syria’s events did not occur in a vacuum but against unprecedented violence in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen. Millions in Syria lack food and medical care, and the economy is under extreme pressure. He criticized the US for occupying Syria’s resource-rich region and enabling Israeli air strikes and actions in the Golan Heights. “The new authorities need to rectify the dire socioeconomic situation and establish effective State organs,” he said, adding that assistance must be provided to “all Syrians, in all parts of the country, without politicization, discrimination, or preconditions.”
