The situation in the Middle East - Security Council, 10072nd meeting

One year after fall of Bashar Al-Assad, Security Council speakers praise Syrian-led reforms, urge vigilance to resolve sectarian tensions, terrorist concerns.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 02:28:03
• Production Date: 18 December 2025
• Asset Language: Arabic; English; French; Russian; Spanish; Chinese; Original
• Personal Subject: ROSEMARY A. DICARLO; JOYCE MSUYA
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS - OCHA; DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING AFFAIRS - DPPA
• Subject Topical: TERRORISM; POLITICAL CONDITIONS; PEACEBUILDING; HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE; EMERGENCY RELIEF; POVERTY; DEMILITARISATION; REFORMS
• Geographic Subject: SYRIA
• MAMS Id: 3518884
• Parent Id: 3517816
• Alternate Title: MTG SC 10072 MIDDLE EAST 18 DEC 2025 AM

Description

Marking a year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria — and fresh off its first-ever visit to the country — the Security Council today weighed significant strides against the persistent threats of terrorism and sectarian strife, as delegates emphasized that all aspects of the country’s future must be guided by Syrians themselves.

“The hope that was kindled a year ago [in Syria] continues to radiate,” said Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator. “Vigorous and diligent international support remains vital” as Syria continues to navigate immense opportunities and complex challenges.

Success will depend largely upon two related factors, she said: reducing humanitarian need — “in what has been, for more than a decade, one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises” — and scaling back the size of the UN’s humanitarian operations in the country. In that regard, she said her Office is developing a new cooperation framework with Syria, and that its work has already become more streamlined and efficient, reaching 25 per cent more people in 2025 than in 2024 despite cuts in funding.

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, agreed that Syrians have made great progress in the last year. The Government restored State institutions, armed factions are now under a single command and a new Cabinet was formed. More than 1 million refugees and almost 2 million internally displaced persons have returned home, and many countries have lifted bilateral sanctions on Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian Government and the opposition Syrian Democratic Forces reached an agreement relating to the security and political transition on 10 March.

• Briefer: Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
• Briefer: Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator
• Briefer: Ms. Mariam Jalabi, Co-Founder, Syrian Women's Political Movement
• Statements: All Council members, with Algeria speaking on behalf of: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Somalia
• Statement: Syrian Arab Republic
• Statement: Kuwait (also on behalf of: Arab Group)
• Statements: Islamic Republic of Iran, Türkiye, Israel
• Further statements: Syrian Arab Republic, Israel
• Further statement: Syrian Arab Republic

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UN Meetings Coverage

S/PV.10072