On April 25, 2025, the UN Security Council held a meeting on the situation in Syria which is undergoing a rocky transition after years of conflict and authoritarian rule. Four and a half months after the fall of the Assad regime, the interim authorities began taking formal steps towards political reform. However, ongoing violence, deepening economic hardship and a worsening humanitarian crisis, international support is needed.
During the UN Security Council meeting, Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani, interim Foreign Minister of Syria, highlighted key progress in recent months, including the preservation of State institutions, the formation of a transitional government, the dissolution of armed factions and the launch of an inclusive national dialogue. He further added: “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. However, 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.”
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen emphasized that: “The challenges are huge, and the situation is extremely fragile. 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.” In his briefing, Mr. Pedersen further emphasized 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.
The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, with over 70% of the population in need of aid and more than half face food insecurity. Despite some improvements in localities, funding shortfalls are threatening life-saving operations. Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stressed that the organization “need[s]
more funding to sustain this work, let alone scale it further.” As it stands, less than 10% of the funds required for relief efforts for the first half of 2025 have been received. She added that “Hospitals, food distribution and essential services are at risk of collapse without immediate support.”
During the meeting, Russia and China raised the issue of justice and accountability. Russia said it supports efforts to promote national cohesion and continued engagement with all communities, including ethno-religious minorities. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia 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. This is a shift from previous approaches. Indeed, Russia was one of the two countries (together with China) that, in the past, blocked a UN Security Council resolution aimed at referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. During the Assad regime, Russia also blocked several other resolutions that were to provide more comprehensive responses to the atrocities and assist communities. Similarly, China’s Ambassador Fu Cong stressed the importance of justice and accountability, and underscored Syria’s responsibility to combat terrorism effectively and without double standards.
The international community must support Syria to ensure that the transition provides the change the people in Syria have been calling for. After years of violence and conflict, the people need lasting peace and security to be able to rebuild their lives and secure their future. Justice and accountability are an important part of this effort.
