Syria faces uncertain future after regime’s collapse amid humanitarian crisis
New York, US (PANA) - At a historic crossroads, just 11 days after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria faces a fragile mix of hope and chaos, plagued by a volatile security situation and a worsening humanitarian crisis, top UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher briefed ambassadors via video link from Damascus, where they are engaging with key stakeholders to ramp up UN support and pushing for an inclusive and credible political transition.
They emphasized that while the current moment offers a rare opportunity for peace and rebuilding, it is fraught with risks.
Mr. Pedersen described the dramatic end of the 54-year-long Assad regime as a pivotal moment for the country and its people.
He stressed the need for careful management by both Syrians and the international community.
“There is a profound and shared sentiment among Syrians that this new situation belongs to them, that it is their moment to realize their legitimate aspirations,” he said.
“But many are apprehensive about the future. The challenges ahead are enormous.”
He told Council members that the regime’s fall followed swift advances by the Military Operations Command, an armed coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
A caretaker authority, composed of officials from the self-styled Syrian Salvation Government, has assumed power.
Regional power struggles
Mr. Pedersen also highlighted continued tensions across Syria, where armed opposition groups and regional power struggles threaten destabilization.
Northeast Syria, including some neighbourhoods of Aleppo, remains under the control of the United States-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
A five-day ceasefire between the US and Türkiye along the Euphrates River has expired, with reports of military build-ups and rising tensions.
“Such an escalation could be catastrophic,” he warned.
Situation in the Golan
Adding to the volatility, in southwestern Syria, the UN peacekeeping mission, UNDOF, has observed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in multiple locations in the area of separation.
Israeli troops have advanced several kilometres into Syrian territory according to multiple media reports and there have been hundreds of airstrikes on military facilities, equipment and supplies across Syria, which Israel described as a defensive measure.
“Such attacks place a battered civilian population at further risk and undermine the prospects of an orderly political transition,” Mr. Pedersen said, citing also reports of Israeli plans to expand settlements in the Golan.
“Israel must cease all settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan, which are illegal. Attacks on territorial integrity must stop,” he stressed.
Preserve Syria’s institutions
Mr. Pedersen outlined Syria’s three main challenges: ongoing hostilities, immense humanitarian and economic needs, and the necessity for a credible political transition.
He underscored the importance of preserving state institutions, establishing an inclusive governance process, and ensuring free and fair elections – all critical components of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).
“Stability will not last long if not built on credible and inclusive foundations. The time is to build those foundations now,” he said.
-0-PANA RA 18Dec2024
