Security Council discusses economic, humanitarian situation in Syria

The UN Security Council discussed the political, economic, and humanitarian situation in Syria today, focusing on the return of displaced persons, recovery, reconstruction, and security challenges.

Claudio Cordone, the Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria, stated that Syrians are facing significant economic pressures, despite available investment opportunities.

Cordone emphasized "the importance of empowering women and integrating fighters and Kurdish security personnel into state institutions," while describing the situation in As-Suwayda as "concerning."

He also called for respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, noting continued Israeli military activity in southern Syria, and welcomed Damascus's cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

For his part, Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stated that more than two million internally displaced persons have returned to their areas since the end of 2024, while approximately 800,000 Syrians remain in camps.

Fletcher stressed that sustainable stability requires integrating all components of society, addressing the threat of landmines, and gradually transitioning from humanitarian aid to recovery, reconstruction, and economic growth.