Senior United Nations officials told the Security Council that Syria has made notable political and humanitarian progress one year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Still, they cautioned that fragile security conditions, Israeli military actions, and severe funding shortfalls threaten to derail the country’s transition.
UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said Syrians continue to show resilience and faith in peace, stability, and justice, despite deep scars left by more than a decade of conflict. She highlighted steps taken by Syrian authorities to restore state institutions, integrate armed factions under a unified command, issue a constitutional declaration, and form a new cabinet, while noting that displacement trends are reversing, with millions of refugees and internally displaced people returning home.
.@DicarloRosemary: A year since Assad’s fall, Syrians have made great strides, even if big obstacles remain. True healing will include addressing fate of the missing & ensuring accountability for the gravest atrocities. We support an inclusive transition. https://t.co/rO8gQRQ4cc https://t.co/wZG2jtutLi pic.twitter.com/cEcwJ2e4j3
— UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (@UNDPPA) December 18, 2025
However, DiCarlo warned that inter-communal tensions remain high and security is precarious, particularly amid intensified Israeli air strikes and incursions in southern Syria, which she said undermine sovereignty and regional stability. Humanitarian officials echoed the cautious optimism, stressing that recovery hinges on sustained international support. With Syria’s 2025 humanitarian appeal only 30 percent funded, UN officials warned that without urgent financial backing, hard-won gains could unravel and recovery efforts stall at a critical moment.
UN officials stressed that the coming year will be decisive for Syria’s future, urging the international community to translate diplomatic engagement into concrete support. They underscored the need for sustained de-escalation, respect for Syria’s sovereignty, and inclusive political processes to prevent renewed instability.
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Accountability for past abuses, they said, remains essential for reconciliation and long-term peace, alongside efforts to address the fate of missing persons and rebuild public trust. Humanitarian leaders warned that without predictable funding and investment in recovery, basic services and livelihoods will remain under strain. Seizing this moment, they concluded, is critical to ensuring Syria’s transition delivers lasting peace and dignity for its people.
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