By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Wednesday called on Syria caretaker authorities to make the transition to democratic rule inclusive, warned that transparency, rule of law and fair elections particularly for women taking part remain key concerns.
Geir Pedersen briefed the Council members and acknowledged commitments made by interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa but stressed that Syrians across the country expect tangible actions.
“All Syrians I met stressed to me how much they want institutional appointments, the transitional government, the provisional legislative body, the national dialogue process and any preparatory committees, and these need to be credible and inclusive,” he said.
He added that Syrian women, in particular, seek more than protection.
“They want meaningful participation in decision-making or appointments in key positions, based on their qualifications, [and] to participate in transitional institutions, so that their perspectives are considered, including on issues related to the status and rights of Syrian women.”
Mr. Pedersen warned that the fragile security situation continues to threaten political progress.
He cited ongoing hostilities in the northeast, including daily clashes, artillery exchanges, and airstrikes that are impacting civilians and infrastructure.
Envoy noted a recent wave of car bombings in residential areas has caused significant casualties.
He welcomed initial dialogue between caretaker authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the northeast.
Mr. Pedersen urged the United States, Türkiye, and regional and national actors to work together on “genuine compromises” that enable peace and stability.
“It is crucial that all doors remain open to ensuring the inclusion of all parts of Syria and all key constituencies within the political transition,” he added.
He noted that concerns are growing over economic stability against a backdrop of sanctions, widespread poverty and sudden donor cuts to humanitarian aid.
Mr. Pedersen urged sanctioning states to consider easing restrictions in critical sectors such as energy and finance, noting that many Syrians will measure progress not only by political reforms but by the price of food, access to electricity and employment opportunities.
He reiterated that as political talks continue, the humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with more than 70 per cent of the population in need assistance.
Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for UN aid coordination, emphasized that humanitarians are boosting efforts to deliver aid despite challenges.
She indicated that the fresh fighting in the north has displaced over 25,000 people from Manbij near the restive Turkish border area and attacks continue to hinder efforts to repair Tishreen Dam, a vital source of water and electricity for hundreds of thousands. In addition, explosive ordinance continues to pose a threat to civilians and hamper humanitarian efforts.
Ms. Msuya stressed that “All parties must take constant care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of military actions”.
UN has been scaling up aid deliveries despite immense logistical challenges, have reached over 3.3 million people with food assistance since late November, after rapid gains made by opposition forces in against Assad regime-controlled areas.
She stressed that cross-border operations from Türkiye remain a lifeline, with 94 trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and other essential aid arrived in Syria last month more than triple the amount delivered during the same period last year.
The funding shortfalls remain a major constraint, she said.
Ms. Msuya noted that dozens of health facilities are at risk of closure, while water and sanitation services have been suspended in displacement camps, affecting more than 635,000 people.
The recent suspension of US funding for aid programmes which accounted for over a quarter of the humanitarian response budget in 2024 have added to the uncertainty.
“Delays or suspension of funding will affect whether vulnerable people can access essential services,” Ms. Msuya warned.
She said increasing numbers of Syrian refugees are considering returning home.
Over 270,000 Syrians have returned from neighboring countries.
UN survey found that more than a quarter of refugees intend to return within the next year a notable increase from previous years.
Ms. Msuya stressed that a sustainable, safe, and dignified returns require major investments in livelihoods, health services, education and infrastructure.
“Now is the time to invest in Syria’s future,” she said.
She underscored the need to ensure protection of civilians, facilitate flow of aid and a peaceful transition.
“Alongside the most critical lifesaving support, we must sustain and restore critical health, water, and other services that can enable people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” Ms. Msuya concluded
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