Syria: UN Briefing on Progress and Persistent Obstacles

Progress and Strides Made

• 🇸🇾 Syrians have made significant strides in the past year, with hopes for peace, stability, and justice.
• 🏛️ The Syrian government has restored state institutions, integrated armed factions, issued a constitutional declaration, and formed a new cabinet.
• 🗳️ Indirect legislative elections were held in October, and a day of national dialogue took place.
• 🏠 Over 1 million refugees and almost 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their areas of origin.
• 🌍 Many countries have lifted bilateral sanctions, and the US Congress repealed the Caesar Act.
• 🤝 An agreement was reached between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces on March 10th.

Persistent Obstacles and Security Risks

• ⚠️ Serious obstacles and daunting challenges remain despite the progress.
• 📉 While the levels of violence have declined notably, the situation on the ground is fragile with tense intercomunal dynamics.
• 💥 Sectarian tensions have exacerbated, leading to violence in the coastal region, Damascus, and Sueda.
• ✈️ Israeli airstrikes and incursions in the south have aggravated the security situation, with a late-November incursion killing 13 people.
• ⚔️ Tensions persist in the north and east between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
• 🗣️ Hate speech and disinformation campaigns have fueled communal strife and fear, leading to new displacement.

Counterterrorism and Missing Persons

• 🕵️‍♂️ Concerns remain regarding foreign terrorist fighters and a potential ISIL resurgence.
• 🇺🇸 A joint US-Syrian patrol near Palmyra was attacked, resulting in casualties.
• 💣 The prevalence of conventional arms and challenges with stockpile management pose additional security challenges.
• ⚠️ Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to cause daily casualties.
• ⚖️ Work has begun on dealing with the past and reconciliation, including investigations into missing persons and atrocities.

Path Forward and International Support

• 🕊️ The United Nations urges transparency in investigations and accountability for perpetrators.
• 🤝 International encouragement and expertise can complement national efforts to sustain peace, justice, and accountability.
• 🗣️ Resuming dialogue between Syria and Israel on security arrangements is imperative.
• 🌐 Sustained international support is essential for Syria's security, reconstruction, and investor confidence.
• 👩‍💼 The full and meaningful participation of Syrian women in shaping the future is essential.
• 🇺🇳 The UN is committed to supporting the Syrian people in their hopes for the future.