Syria's transitional government charts path amid ongoing crisis

On April 25, 2025, the UN Security Council convened to address the ongoing situation in Syria, which has been marred by years of conflict and authoritarian governance. The meeting occurred approximately four and a half months after the fall of the Assad regime, during which interim authorities have begun to outline steps toward political reform. Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani, the interim Foreign Minister of Syria, noted progress, such as the preservation of state institutions, formation of a transitional government, dissolution of armed factions, and initiation of an inclusive national dialogue. Despite these advancements, Syria continues to face severe challenges related to ongoing violence, deepening economic hardship, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. During the discussions, Mr. Al-Shaibani emphasized that international support is crucial for reconstruction effort, citing that international sanctions are significantly hindering progress. The sanctions are seen as deterrents to investment and are obstructing the delivery of essential services. He articulated a pressing concern regarding the need for capital and expertise to flow into the country, lamenting that illicit networks are flourishing under these constraints. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the fragile state of Syria's transition. He stressed the importance of political inclusivity and economic action, warning that without these elements, the consequences for Syria would be dire. The humanitarian situation in Syria has been described as critical, with over 70% of the population requiring aid and more than half facing food insecurity. Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, pointed out that inadequate funding poses a significant threat to critical operations, with less than 10% of the required funds for relief efforts in early 2025 secured. She warned that essential services, including hospitals and food distribution, may collapse without urgent support. Amid these issues, discussions revolving around justice and accountability also took place, particularly in light of previous atrocities and the need for effective responses to combat terrorism. Countries like Russia and China stressed the importance of national cohesion and the necessity for Syria to engage all communities to ensure a stable transition. They alluded to previous blockages of UN resolutions aimed at enhancing accountability within the country. The path forward remains highly precarious; however, the meeting reflected that there is a distinct need for the international community to rally behind Syria, addressing the needs of the populace and supporting the nascent government in achieving lasting peace and security.