‘Brighter future hangs in the balance’ in Syria after 14 years of war
The Constitutional Declaration issued by Syria’s caretaker authorities marks a pivotal moment in the country’s turbulent transition, with UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen expressing cautious optimism about its potential to fill a legal vacuum and pave the way for a “credible and inclusive political transition”.
The Constitutional Declaration issued by Syria’s caretaker authorities marks a pivotal moment in the country’s turbulent transition, with UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen expressing cautious optimism about its potential to fill a legal vacuum and pave the way for a “credible and inclusive political transition”.
The announcement comes as Syria marks 14 years since peaceful protests were met with brutal repression, igniting a conflict that has displaced millions and left the country in ruins.
While the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 initially raised hopes for stability, fresh violence is threatening these fragile gains.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned recent reports of civilian casualties, stating that “nothing can justify the killing of civilians.”
A Syrian-led transition
Mr. Pedersen reiterated that the political process remains “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned”, though the UN continues to offer guidance.
During a briefing to the press in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric underscored that the UN stands ready to support an inclusive political transition which guarantees accountability and national healing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Guterres emphasised that “the caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed to building a new Syria based on inclusive and credible foundations for all Syrians. Now is the time for action.”
Reconstruction challenges
Despite political progress, the humanitarian crisis remains dire.
“The scale of destruction is unimaginable,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi wrote in an op-ed in the French newspaper Le Monde.
Emphasising that nothing was spared, from houses to water treatment facilities, Mr. Grandi underscored that “if we neglect Syria’s urgent humanitarian needs, its social and political fractures will only deepen.”
A recent UNHCR survey found that 27 per cent of Syrian refugees now express a desire to return home within the next year, compared to just two per cent before the regime’s fall.
However, concerns about safety, political stability and the lack of basic necessities remain major obstacles to sustainable repatriation.
Accountability: The path forward
While the Constitutional Declaration provides a framework for transition, Mr. Pedersen said its success depends on genuine implementation.
For now, the UN remains engaged and ready to assist, but officials warn that the next few months will be critical in determining whether Syria moves towards lasting peace or falls deeper into uncertainty.
“We must ensure that Syria emerges from the shadows of war into a future defined by dignity and the rule of law, where all voices are heard and no community is left behind,” the UN chief said.
© UN News (2025) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- Funding Disruptions Are a Systemic Failure Philanthropy Must Do Whats Right and Support Local Leadership Monday, March 17, 2025
- The United States Confronts the Demographic Piper Monday, March 17, 2025
- Papua New Guinea: Years of Environmental Clean Up Ahead Following New Report on Abandoned Bougainville Mine Monday, March 17, 2025
- WTO: Standing Tall as the Winds Howl Monday, March 17, 2025
- World News in Brief: US strikes on Yemen, Gaza aid update, debt burden weighs on developing world Monday, March 17, 2025
- Funding shortages risk undermining a ‘watershed moment’ for Syria Monday, March 17, 2025
- FAO warns of ‘unprecedented’ avian flu spread, in call for global action Monday, March 17, 2025
- Afghanistan: Security Council renews UN mission as WHO warns of health catastrophe Monday, March 17, 2025
- Syria: Relative of Assad regime’s disappeared speaks of anguish in search for truth and justice Monday, March 17, 2025
- UN Chief's Ramadan Solidarity Visit Revives Rohingya Refugees Hope Saturday, March 15, 2025