Syria transition gains ground with Kurdish deal, but violence and humanitarian strain persist

Briefing ambassadors for the first time as Deputy Special Envoy, Claudio Cordone pointed to the 30 January ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a potentially transformative development.

The deal provides for a phased military and administrative integration of northeast Syria and includes provisions on the return of displaced people and the protection of Kurdish civil and educational rights, building on Presidential Decree 13 on linguistic, cultural and citizenship rights.

“Hostilities have ended and work on an implementation plan has been progressing in a positive manner,” Mr. Cordone said, noting deployments of Ministry of Interior forces in Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli, and discussions on local governance and political appointments.

The Secretary-General on 30 January welcomed the agreement, appealing for all sides “to work swiftly to ensure its implementation, especially in terms of the peaceful integration of northeast Syria, the rights of Syrian Kurds, the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the displaced.”

In a presidential statement issued on Thursday, Council members likewise welcomed the “comprehensive agreement” and stressed the need to adhere to it to “minimize civilian suffering” and prevent any “security vacuum” around ISIL (Da’esh) detention facilities.

Situation remains sensitive

The evolving situation around those facilities remains sensitive.

Mr. Cordone said the UN is closely following transfers of Syrian and non-Syrian Da’esh suspects to Iraq, adding that Iraqi proceedings must “fully respect fair trial standards” and urging Member States to repatriate their nationals “as swiftly as possible.”

While the northeast has seen relative stabilization, tensions persist elsewhere.

In Sweida, renewed clashes between Government forces and local armed groups have caused damage and electricity outages. Protests calling for self-determination have resurfaced, and the UN reiterated calls for confidence-building measures within “the full respect of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

In southern Syria, Israeli incursions and search operations have continued, alongside reports of aerial herbicide spraying damaging crops. The UN envoy called for “full respect for international law” and urged Israel to withdraw from areas it occupies “in violation of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement,” while supporting “mutually acceptable security arrangements between Israel and Syria.”

Humanitarian challenges persist

Humanitarian conditions remain severe despite modest improvements.

Lisa Doughten, Director of Financing at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said recent clashes displaced tens of thousands; although many have returned, about 130,000 people remain uprooted across Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Aleppo governorates. More than 90 per cent are women and girls, with many sheltering in overcrowded camps or with host families already under strain.

Heavy flooding this week in Idleb and northern Latakia killed two children and damaged or destroyed some 2,000 tents, affecting over 5,000 displaced people.

Still, access and basic services are gradually improving in parts of the northeast. UN teams have reached 200,000 people and organized more than 170 truck movements. In Ain al-Arab (Kobane), electricity supply has reportedly resumed after repairs.

Meaningful representation of all Syrians crucial

Politically, the next milestone in the transition is the formation of the People’s Assembly. Voting for most elected seats took place in October 2025 – with additional seats, including in Raqqa, due to be filled. Confirmation is awaited on the appointment of 70 members by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as of the date of the opening session.

Mr. Cordone reiterated the importance of meaningful representation of Syria’s regions and diverse groups, stressing that “the protection and promotion of human rights – including addressing the issue of the missing and transitional justice – are fundamental elements for a credible and successful political transition.”

‘Extraordinary role’ of Syrian women

He highlighted the “extraordinary role” of Syrian women and civil society over the decade-long conflict, saying women’s political participation at all levels is “a pillar for a state committed to plurality, inclusion and opportunity for all.”

“I salute the Syrian people for their determination in overcoming decades of oppression and brutal conflict. I look forward to strengthening the UN’s partnership with Syria in pursuit of a stable, peaceful and prosperous future,” he said in Arabic as he concluded his briefing.