UN: Syria's political transition faces challenges, security remains fragile

UN Special Envoy Deputy to Syria, Najat Rochdi, stated that significant challenges continue to hinder a comprehensive political transition, addressing the country’s past, and rebuilding the economy, expressing hope for “deeper internal engagement to ensure stability and social cohesion.”

In her speech before the UN Security Council on Wednesday, she referred to Syria’s joining of the international coalition against ISIS, noting that “military operations and Israeli incursions into Syrian territory continue to put civilians at risk, increase regional tensions, and threaten the political transition process,” again without mentioning the Turkish occupation of large areas in northern Syria.

She added that tensions, lawlessness, and some acts of violence persist in several areas, with intermittent exchanges of fire along the frontlines, emphasizing that fragile security highlights the need for “comprehensive security sector reform and effective disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs.”

Rochdi stressed the necessity of progress in accountability, transitional justice, and the issue of the missing, regarding crimes committed during the March events on the coast, stating that Syrians must feel that “serious steps are being taken to end impunity, past and present, and prevent its recurrence.”

She also addressed the incomplete establishment of a transitional People’s Assembly, calling for transparency and fair representation for all sects and Syrian women.

Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in drafting a permanent constitution, she said: “Creating a new social contract among Syrians must be a source of peace and unity.”

She urged transitional authorities and civil society to learn from the lessons and achievements of the political transition so far, stressing that the level of political inclusiveness to date should serve as “the foundation of this transition, not its ceiling.”

Regarding North and East Syria, Rochdi emphasized the need to establish concrete mechanisms to translate commitments under the March 10 agreement into actions, in terms of military and political integration, and in a spirit of consensus between both parties.

She added that intermittent hostilities along the frontline this month “remind us of the need to maintain the ceasefire.”

She also called for progress in implementing the September 16 roadmap in Sweida, where clashes last week revealed “extremely low trust.”

Rochdi encouraged taking tangible steps to move forward, especially regarding detainees and abductees, and the restoration of services.

The Deputy Special Envoy affirmed that the success of the political transition is essential for the Syrian people, expressing her hope to cooperate with all parties to build a stable and unified Syria that meets its citizens’ aspirations.

Meanwhile, Lisa Doughten, Director of the Funding and Communications Section at OCHA, stated that more than 16 million people in Syria still require humanitarian assistance, noting that insecurity and climate shocks exacerbate needs, and that over 180,000 people remain displaced in Sweida and surrounding areas, with the ongoing threat of war remnants that have claimed more than 570 lives since last December.

A-H 

ANHA