The UN has praised the determination of Syrians working to rebuild their country, emphasizing that sustained international engagement is essential to maintain progress amid ongoing security and humanitarian challenges. UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi highlighted that Syrians have shown remarkable courage over the past year, seizing the first real opportunity in generations to reshape their country’s future after decades of conflict, brutality, and human suffering.
Significant strides have been made in justice and accountability since the collapse of the former government. National commissions for Transitional Justice and Missing Persons were established, paving the way for accountability, while UN access for rights monitoring and judicial reform has improved. Robert Petit, head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria, noted progress in gathering evidence for future prosecutions and welcomed the creation of new national justice bodies, although questions remain about the full scope of transitional justice.
Efforts to rebuild trust are ongoing, with Security Council representatives emphasizing the importance of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition. Council President Samuel Žbogar underscored that trust must be strengthened both in the UN and Security Council and within Syrian communities, including civil society and religious groups, to support a better future.
Despite these developments, serious challenges persist. Renewed sectarian violence in Alawite coastal areas and Druze communities has triggered new displacement, while millions of Syrians remain in deep humanitarian need, spending harsh winters in tents or damaged homes. The UN Secretary-General noted progress in restoring essential services and expanding humanitarian access, but stressed that the transition must produce tangible improvements in daily life.
UN officials describe Syria as standing at a historic crossroads. While insecurity remains, the first post-Assad year represents a milestone in a multi-year journey toward justice and recovery. Success depends on sustained commitment from both Syrians and the international community, offering a chance to rebuild fractured communities and create a society grounded in dignity, opportunity, and rights for all.
