The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene , for its monthly discussion on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. The meeting will feature briefings from Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone, a representative from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and a civil society representative.
This meeting follows a period of significant, albeit complex, transition in Syria. The fall of the Assad regime in led to the establishment of a new security framework and a gradual easing of international sanctions, driven by a desire to address the dire humanitarian crisis and stabilize the country’s economy. However, the transition has not been without its challenges, including clashes between government forces and pro-Assad elements, and reported massacres targeting minority groups.
A key development in this evolving landscape has been the formation of the National Security Council in . This council, operating under the authority of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, represents the first attempt at a coordinated security response in post-Assad Syria. It comprises representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, and the General Intelligence Service, alongside advisory seats appointed by the President and a specialized technical seat.
The international community’s response to the Syrian transition has been multifaceted. In , the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union collectively lifted sanctions covering approximately $15 billion in restricted assets, and trade. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Qatar, have also signaled their support through pledges to fund public salaries, energy infrastructure, and Syria’s obligations to international financial institutions.
However, the path towards full reintegration of Syria into the international community was complicated by the involvement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the removal of Bashar al-Assad. HTS, previously proscribed as a terrorist organization by the United Nations since , saw its leader, Mohammed Al-Jolani (also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa), assume the role of civilian leader of the Syrian Government. This necessitated a re-evaluation of sanctions measures.
In a significant move, the Security Council adopted a resolution on , to remove President al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from terror-related sanctions lists targeting supporters of ISIL and Al-Qaida. This decision followed unilateral actions by the United States, which revoked its designation of HTS as a foreign terrorist group in , and the United Kingdom, which followed suit in . President al-Sharaa reportedly met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in and was scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington shortly thereafter.
The upcoming Security Council briefing is expected to focus on the ongoing political and humanitarian challenges facing Syria. Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya is expected to provide an update on the humanitarian situation, while Deputy Special Envoy Cordone will likely address the progress – and obstacles – in the political transition process. The inclusion of a civil society representative underscores the importance of local perspectives in shaping the international response.
The situation remains fragile. While the easing of sanctions and renewed engagement from regional powers offer a glimmer of hope, the underlying security concerns and the legacy of years of conflict continue to pose significant challenges. The Security Council’s continued attention, as evidenced by these monthly meetings, is crucial for supporting a sustainable path towards peace and stability in Syria.
The February meeting will be closely watched by international observers, particularly given the recent shifts in the geopolitical landscape and the ongoing efforts to address the complex humanitarian needs of the Syrian population. The briefings from Cordone, Msuya, and the civil society representative are expected to provide valuable insights into the current state of affairs and the prospects for the future.
