Syria
Expected Council Action
In June, the Security Council expects to hold two meetings on Syria: one on political and humanitarian issues, and another on the chemical weapons track.
Key Recent Developments
On 13 May, US President Donald Trump announced that he would lift all US sanctions against Syria—which include wide-ranging trade and financial restrictions—and consider normalising ties with Damascus. Trump’s announcement was made at a meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders during a state visit to Saudi Arabia. He indicated that the lifting of sanctions was a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It was followed by a 15 May Riyadh meeting that included the participation of Trump, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in which Trump outlined five asks of Syria’s interim president: to establish diplomatic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords; tell all “foreign terrorists” to leave Syria; deport “Palestinian terrorists”; help the US to prevent the resurgence of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh); and assume responsibility for ISIL detention centres in northeast Syria. The meeting was the first between a US and Syrian president in 25 years.
On 15 May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the administration will adopt a phased approach to sanctions relief. On 24 May, 180-day presidential waivers to sanctions under the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act” were adopted; Congressional permanent repeal of the Ceaser Act will be sought in the future, if “enough progress” is made. Waivers are likely to allow the improvement of immediate needs; however, without a full repeal of the US legislation, Syria may still struggle to attract multi-year economic investments.
On 20 May, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced that EU foreign ministers had agreed to lift all remaining economic sanctions against Syria (the bloc had suspended some of its sanctions on Syria’s energy and transport industries in February), a decision Kallas described as reversible and conditional on progress. The EU also said that it will maintain sanctions related to the former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government —as well as sanctions based on security grounds—and that it will “introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria”.
On 16 May, the World Bank said that Syria is eligible for new loans after Saudi Arabia and Qatar helped clear the country’s outstanding debt to the institution, allowing it to “reengage with the country and address the development needs of the Syrian people”.
Briefing at a Security Council meeting on 21 May, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen welcomed international steps to lift sanctions and to provide financial support to Syria, highlighting their potential to improve conditions in the country and to support the political transition. He stressed, however, that revitalising Syria’s devastated economy will require the interim authorities to work on “overall economic reform and governance standards across the financial system”, which will also need international support.
The security situation in the country remains precarious amid simmering sectarian tensions and the threat of terrorism due to Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and remnants of ISIL.
The end of April saw clashes in the suburbs of Damascus and the Sweida governorate targeting the Druze community—an ethnic minority group—which reportedly killed at least 119 people, including over a dozen civilians. Despite subsequent agreements between the interim authorities and Druze factions aimed at de-escalating tensions, the fighting has stoked fear of further violence against Syria’s minorities.
These clashes also came against the backdrop of widespread sectarian violence against the Alawite ethnic minority in Syria’s coastal region, which reportedly caused over 1000 fatalities in early March. A fact-finding committee mandated by Sharaa to investigate the events was immediately established; however, it is reportedly facing criticism that its work lacks transparency and sufficient cooperation with human rights organisations.
In line with the interim government’s goal to consolidate and reintegrate armed groups into the state, on 18 May, Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra called on “remaining military groups to join the ministry within a maximum period of 10 days”.
Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syrian territory since Assad’s ouster. At the beginning of May—in response to the recent attacks against the Druze—Israel renewed airstrikes on Syria, justifying them as necessary to protect the Druze communities. These included a 2 May airstrike close to the Syrian presidential palace, which Israel reportedly intended as a warning. Since then, reports have emerged that the countries are engaged in discussions about security issues and the potential normalisation of relations.
On 7 May, Sharaa met with French President Emmanuel Macron, on his first visit to Europe since becoming the interim President of Syria. Aside from the issue of sanctions, the two discussed security concerns, including the need to protect all Syrians from violence, the threat of ISIL, and French FTFs in Syria.
ISIL continues to pose a threat to Syria’s security. On 21 May, Pedersen warned the Security Council that the group “has been escalating its attacks in various areas in recent weeks, with signs of more coordinated operations involving IEDs and the use of medium-range weapons.” In May alone, ISIL has reportedly conducted at least ten attacks in northeast Syria. On 17 May, Syrian interim government forces conducted their first operation against the group in Aleppo, killing three militants. This operation was in keeping with Trump’s request that Damascus take a more active role against ISIL, as US military forces commence their gradual withdrawal from Syria.
The interim government is also taking steps to pursue transitional justice and accountability efforts. On 18 May, Sharaa announced the formation of a National Transitional Justice Commission and a National Commission for Missing Persons.
In his 21 May briefing to the Council, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Director of Coordination Ramesh Rajasingham highlighted that humanitarian needs in Syria remain immense, with 90 percent of the population living in poverty, over half the population facing severe food insecurity, and millions displaced. A 14 May report published by the International Organisation for Migration highlights challenges faced by large numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees returning to their homes following Assad’s ouster. These include unreliable access to electricity, clean water, healthcare, essential services, and housing, compounded by a lack of economic opportunities.
On 23 May, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) published its monthly report on the implementation of resolution 2118 of 27 September 2013, which required the verification and destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. The report says that 19 outstanding issues—involving large quantities of potentially undeclared or unverified chemical weapons—from Syria’s initial declaration of its chemical weapons programme remain unresolved. It also noted that an OPCW team was deployed to Syria from 14 to 25 April to engage on a future OPCW presence in the country, during which the caretaker Foreign Minister “committed to securing the necessary offices in Damascus for the OPCW by the next deployment”. According to the New York Times, OPCW experts believe that more than 100 chemical weapons sites remain in Syria.
Human Rights-Related Developments
On 4 April, the UN Human Rights Council adopted resolution 58/25 on the situation of human rights in Syria. Among other recommendations, the resolution welcomes provisions of the Constitutional Declaration signed in March 2025, affirming that the state shall guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms. It likewise encourages Syria to ensure a sustainable path towards credible accountability for all crimes that do justice to the victims, survivors and their families, as well as contribute to reconciliation and a peaceful future for all Syrians.
In a 2 May press release, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic voiced grave concern over the recent surge in violence in the country following deadly clashes with sectarian dimensions in the Damascus countryside and Sweida governorate. Israeli airstrikes and threats of further military intervention across the Syrian territory likewise jeopardise the country’s path towards sustainable and rights-respecting peace, risking Syria’s already fragile security situation.
Women, Peace and Security
In his 21 May Council briefing, Pedersen announced that the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board (WAB) held a meeting in Syria for the first time since its establishment. The meeting took place on 1 May in Damascus. Established by the Office of the Special Envoy in 2016, the WAB advises on all aspects of the Syrian political process, with a particular focus on gender equality and women’s rights. It had thus far convened outside of Syria.
Pedersen said that during the 1 May meeting, the WAB held discussions with Syrian officials, women’s organisations, and diplomatic personnel. He added that, in their engagements, WAB members sought clarification on ministerial strategy, including the expected role of civil society, and requested reassurances that women’s political engagement would be guaranteed. Pedersen stressed that WAB members, and Syrian women more broadly, continue to underscore the importance of their political participation and their unique position to observe the situation on the ground, and to express their willingness to provide advice to the interim authorities.
During his briefing on humanitarian issues, Rajasingham said that women and girls in Syria continue to be at risk of gender-based violence (GBV), noting that, due to issues such as social stigma and lack of protection services, GBV often remains under-reported. Among other issues, Rajasingham said that, due to funding shortfalls, twenty safe spaces for women and girls have closed since January, severely reducing access to support services for GBV survivors. He called on the international donor community to “act fast and increase humanitarian funding”.
Key Issues and Options
The main priority for the Council is to ensure that Syria’s interim government pursues a credible, transparent, and inclusive political process grounded in the principles of Council resolution 2254. (Adopted on 18 December 2015, resolution 2254 focused on a political solution to the Syrian crisis). Syrian unity and inclusivity will be a major factor in determining the success of the political transition—especially given recurring episodes of sectarian violence which threaten political stability.
The next significant step in the political transition is the establishment of the High Committee responsible for selecting members of the new People’s Assembly, a transitional legislative authority responsible for working on the legislative reform agenda. In his 21 May briefing to the Council, Pedersen spoke of his engagement with the interim authorities on this matter and highlighted the need for the future People’s Assembly to be representative of the unity and diversity of the nation. Council members could express their support for Pederson’s efforts in this regard and encourage him to update them on progress in the establishment of the High Committee, as needed.
Other key issues for the Council are how the interim government handles the issues of security sector reform, violence against minorities, and accountability efforts, including through the work of the newly established commissions and the fact-finding committee.
Should sectarian tensions continue to mount or culminate in another outbreak of violence, Council members could consider convening a private meeting to hear a briefing from the Special Envoy on the situation and to engage with the Syrian representative on ways to calm the situation.
The future of the UN’s role in Syria is another key issue for the Council. Under the instruction of the Secretary-General, the UN Secretariat has been conducting an integrated strategic assessment of the changing situation in the country. An internal report was due to be prepared by the end of May. Based on this report, the Secretary-General will consider what type of UN presence in Syria would be most suitable to meet the country’s current needs. The option(s) presented by the Secretary-General could necessitate Council action on a product that mandates adjustments to the UN’s presence in the country.
Given the high number of estimated chemical weapons sites from the Assad era, Council members may call for the Syrian authorities to fully and transparently cooperate with the OPCW—including on establishing a presence in the country—and for additional support from member states to ensure that the organisation has the financial and human resources to carry out its missions.
Council and Wider Dynamics
Council members are aligned on the need for the Syrian authorities to advance an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process based on the key principles of resolution 2254. They also agree that the Syrian interim government must credibly pursue accountability, transitional justice and reconciliation efforts and take measures to prevent any further violence against minorities as part of this process.
In this regard, several Council members have called for the fact-finding committee on the coastal violence to conduct credible, impartial, independent and transparent investigations. During the 21 May Council meeting, China called for expedited investigations, while Russia called for the findings to be brought to the attention of the Special Envoy and the Security Council.
Members have expressed cautious optimism at actions taken so far by the interim authorities, with many emphasising that the current period represents a critical and hopeful moment for the country. There is broad agreement that the new Syrian government requires international support to rebuild Syria and its crippled economy, including through the easing of sanctions which several Council members are now pursuing. (EU members, the UK, and the US have all initiated processes to lift sanctions).
Trump’s meeting with Sharaa marks a consequential shift in the US position on Syria, which will most likely impact Council dynamics on the file. During the 21 May Council meeting, the US representative said that the US “has taken first steps towards normal diplomatic relations with Syria” and reiterated Trump’s five asks of Sharaa.
Council members also align on the need for the Syrian interim authorities to address the issue of FTFs—China, France, Russia, and the US have all been vocal on this issue.
Israel’s presence and military activities in Syria remain a point of contention for Council members. Most members believe Israel’s actions are fostering tensions and instability in an already fragile Syria, but the US sees its actions as defensive in nature and tied to ensuring its national security.
| Security Council Resolutions | |
| 18 December 2015S/RES/2254 | This was the first resolution focused exclusively on a political solution to the Syrian crisis. It was adopted unanimously. |
| 27 September 2013S/RES/2118 | This resolution was adopted unanimously by the Council and required the verification and destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles, called for the convening of the Geneva II peace talks and endorsed the establishment of a transitional governing body in Syria with full executive powers. |
| Security Council Presidential Statement | |
| 14 March 2025S/PRST/2025/4 | This was a presidential statement condemning sectarian violence perpetrated in Latakia and Tartous and calling for accountability and the protection of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion. |
