The UN on Monday hailed the dedication of Syrians working to rebuild their nation however cautioned that sustained worldwide engagement is important to maintain the transition from the chaos of a 12 months in the past on observe – amid ongoing safety and humanitarian challenges.
“Syrians astonished the world by overcoming years of authoritarian rule – marking the primary actual probability in generations to reshape their nation’s future after a long time of battle, unfathomable brutality and profound human struggling,” mentioned UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi.
She mentioned Syrians have proven “outstanding braveness” over the previous 12 months regardless of hardship and uncertainty.
Justice and accountability
Significant progress has been made because the former authorities collapsed.
National commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons had been established earlier this 12 months, lastly opening the way in which for accountability.
UN entry for rights monitoring and judicial reform has improved, and worldwide engagement with Syrian establishments has expanded.
Robert Petit, head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria – which goals to assist future prosecutions of crimes dedicated underneath the outdated regime – highlighted that the previous 12 months has seen progress in gathering and analysing proof for future prosecutions.
He welcomed the creation of Syria’s new nationwide justice our bodies as “a major and welcome improvement,” whereas noting that key questions stay in regards to the scope of transitional justice.
“The alternatives earlier than us at present didn’t exist a 12 months in the past,” Mr. Petit mentioned.
Rebuilding belief
During a Security Council go to to Syria final week, Council President and Slovenian Ambassador Samuel Žbogar mentioned the physique’s mission was centred on rebuilding “belief.”
“We got here right here to construct belief – to construct our belief in your efforts for a greater future and to construct your belief within the intentions of the Security Council and the United Nations,” he instructed reporters in Damascus, after conferences with Syrian leaders, civil society, spiritual figures and communities affected by current violence.
He harassed that Syria’s path ahead should stay “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned,” with the worldwide neighborhood able to assist.
A girl holds the brand new Syrian flag outdoors UN Headquarters in New York. (April 2025)
Challenges stay
Yet severe challenges persist – renewed sectarian violence geared toward predominantly Alawite coastal areas, or Druze communities in Sweida and different governorates over current months has triggered new displacement and deepened fears amongst Syrians nonetheless recovering from 14 years of warfare.
Millions additionally stay in deep humanitarian want, with many compelled to spend one other winter in tents or in broken houses.
The UN Secretary-General, in a separate anniversary message, mentioned that whereas humanitarian wants stay immense, progress has been made in restoring important providers, increasing entry for support and creating pathways for returns. He emphasised that the transition should result in tangible enhancements in each day life for Syrians.
Drone footage of the city of Latamneh in Hama, which was utterly destroyed in the course of the battle. Mines and unexploded ordnance proceed to litter the world, posing lethal danger for civilians, particularly kids.
A historic crossroads
Despite ongoing insecurity, UN officers underline that the nation stands at a historic crossroads.
Mr. Petit described the primary post-Assad 12 months as “a milestone in a journey that may span years,” including that justice “have to be inclusive and grounded in meticulous proof and due course of.”
Ms. Rochdi echoed that message, saying the transition’s success will depend on sustained dedication.
“Within this second lies one thing really outstanding: the prospect to proceed to rebuild fractured communities, and to forge a Syria during which each particular person can stand equal in dignity, alternative and rights,” she mentioned.
