UN Official Reports Tense Situation in Syria to Security Council, Discusses Ceasefire and National Integration Progress
The ongoing situation in Syria remains precarious, marked by continued exchanges of fire and a humanitarian crisis, according to a senior United Nations official. Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, briefed the Security Council on the challenges of halting hostilities and integrating the three northeastern governorates under central government control. Despite a ceasefire agreement announced in January, fighting has resumed, exacerbating the urgent needs of the population and highlighting the fragility of the region.
Ceasefire Agreement and Ongoing Tensions
Khaled Khiari provided an update on the “Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement” mediated by the United States between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and General Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Although the agreement was announced on January 18, a subsequent meeting on January 19 failed to resolve implementation issues, leading to renewed fighting. Khiari noted that President al-Sharaa announced a four-day consultation period following the resumption of hostilities, but the situation remains tense. He emphasized the alarming humanitarian crisis, with urgent needs for aid and support.
Khiari also pointed to significant upcoming milestones, including the formation of the People’s Assembly and the drafting of a permanent constitution. He welcomed President al-Sharaa’s recent decree recognizing the linguistic, cultural, and citizenship rights of Syrian Kurds, which is seen as a positive step towards inclusivity. However, he warned that the threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) persists, with concerns about detention facilities and the transfer of detainees to Iraq. The ongoing sectarian and ethnic tensions, along with attacks on civilians and religious sites, further complicate the fragile stability in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, with widespread suffering reported across the country. Edem Wosornu, Director of the Crisis Response Division at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the challenges faced by the Syrian population due to ongoing conflict and harsh winter conditions. Recent violence has displaced tens of thousands, particularly in Aleppo and Ar-Raqqa, where over 13,000 people have fled. In southern Syria, 155,000 individuals remain displaced since July.
Access to essential services such as water, healthcare, and education has been severely disrupted, with explosive remnants posing significant risks to returning families. The UN has reported over 540 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries due to these remnants in 2025 alone. Additionally, extreme weather has impacted nearly 160,000 people in northern camps, damaging shelters and resulting in the deaths of infants. In response, the Syria Humanitarian Fund has allocated $2.5 million to support displaced families during the winter months, while the UN continues to provide protection assistance and support for returns in various regions.
International Concerns Over Security and Terrorism
During the Security Council discussions, representatives expressed alarm over the evolving security situation in Syria. The United States emphasized its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts through Operation Inherent Resolve and its partnership with the SDF. The U.S. delegate noted that the new Syrian government has joined the global coalition against ISIS, marking a significant shift in the landscape. However, concerns remain regarding reports of ISIL fighters escaping from detention facilities, prompting calls for adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
Other Council members echoed these concerns, with representatives from Panama and the United Kingdom highlighting the vulnerability of the transition in northern Syria. France noted Syria’s recent inclusion in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, while Denmark called for increased funding to address the dire humanitarian needs. The ongoing threat from ISIL and the potential for further violence underscore the urgent need for sustained international attention and support.
Recognition of Kurdish Rights and Regional Stability
Several Council members welcomed the historic decree recognizing the civil and cultural rights of Syrian Kurds, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation in Syria’s political transition. Latvia’s delegate noted that the involvement of all ethnic and religious groups is crucial for stability. Bahrain’s representative praised the steps taken towards political reform, while the Council President highlighted the need to rectify historical injustices faced by the Kurdish community.
Conversely, some delegates voiced opposition to external interference in Syria’s affairs, stressing the need for a unified approach to support the country’s political transition and combat terrorism. Pakistan’s representative pointed out that repeated violations of Syria’s sovereignty by Israel pose risks to regional stability. The discussions highlighted the complex interplay of domestic and regional factors affecting Syria’s future, with calls for dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and security.
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