The UN on Monday praised Syrians’ determination to work to rebuild their country, but warned that sustained international engagement is essential to maintain the transition after chaos. a year ago on the right track – in a context of persistent security and humanitarian challenges.
“Syrians have stunned the world by overcoming years of authoritarian rule – marking the first real opportunity in generations to reshape their country’s future. after decades of conflict, unfathomable brutality and profound human suffering,” the UN vice-president said. Special envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi.
She said Syrians have shown “remarkable courage” over the past year despite difficulties and uncertainty.
Justice and responsibility
Significant progress has been made since the fall of the previous government.
National commissions for transitional justice and for missing persons were established earlier this year, finally paving the way for accountability.
UN access to rights monitoring and judicial reform has improved, and international engagement with Syrian institutions has expanded.
Robert Petit, head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria – which aims to support future prosecutions for crimes committed under the former regime – highlighted that the past year has been marked by progress in the collection and analysis of evidence for future prosecutions.
He welcomed the creation of new national judicial bodies in Syria, calling it an “important and welcome development,” while noting that key questions remain about the scope of transitional justice.
“The opportunities available to us today did not exist a year ago“, declared Mr. Petit.
Rebuilding trust
During a Security Council During his visit to Syria last week, Council President and Slovenian Ambassador Samuel Žbogar said the body’s mission was focused on rebuilding “trust.”
“We came here to build trust – to strengthen our confidence in your efforts for a better future and to strengthen your confidence in the intentions of the Security Council and the United Nations,” he told reporters in Damascus, after meetings with Syrian leaders, civil society, religious figures and communities affected by the recent violence.
He stressed that Syria’s path forward must remain “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned”, with the international community ready to support it.
A woman holds the new Syrian flag in front of the UN headquarters in New York. (April 2025)
Challenges remain
Yet serious challenges persist – resumption of sectarian violence targeting predominantly Alawite coastal areas or Druze communities in Soueida and other governorates in recent months has triggered further displacement and increased fears among Syrians still recovering from 14 years of war.
Millions of people also remain in deep humanitarian need, with many forced to spend another winter in tents or damaged homes.
The UN Secretary General, in a separate birthday messagesaid that while humanitarian needs remain immense, progress has been made in restoring essential services, expanding access to aid and creating pathways of return. He stressed that the transition must lead to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Syrians.
Drone footage of the town of Latamneh in Hama, completely destroyed during the conflict. Mines and unexploded ordnance continue to litter the area, posing a deadly risk to civilians, especially children.
A historic crossroads
Despite continued insecurity, UN officials stress that the country is at a historic crossroads.
Mr. Petit described the first year post-Assad as “an important step in a journey that will span years,” adding that justice “must be inclusive and based on meticulous evidence and due process.”
Ms. Rochdi echoed this message, saying that the success of the transition depends on lasting commitment.
“Right now lies something truly remarkable: the chance to continue rebuilding fractured communities and forge a Syria in which every person can be equal in dignity, opportunities and rights“, she said.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
