UN briefing from Damascus welcomes lifting of sanctions, urges reforms and warns of renewed violence

A United Nations representative briefing the Security Council from Damascus welcomed international steps to lift sanctions on Syria and urged interim authorities to pursue economic and governance reforms while cautioning that the country still faces risks of renewed violence.

“These are indeed historic developments,” the UN representative said, referring to recent announcements by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom to end or lift sanctions. The official said the moves could improve living conditions and create space for a political transition, but added that Syria’s economy remains “ravaged by over a decade of war” and will require sustained reform and international support.

The briefing said interim authorities issued decrees to establish two bodies — a National Commission for Transitional Justice and a National Commission for Missing Persons — and appointed their heads, giving them 30 days to form teams and draft internal regulations. The representative called for those commissions to cooperate with United Nations bodies, Syrian civil society and victims’ associations to ensure an inclusive, victim-centered approach in line with international standards.

The UN representative said the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board met in Damascus for the first time since 2016 and discussed women’s political participation with the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour and other interlocutors. The advisory board sought clarification on the role of civil society and assurances that women’s engagement would be protected in the transition.

On political transition, the briefing highlighted the need to establish a high committee to select members of a new People’s Assembly, noting the assembly is expected to elect two-thirds of its members and to work on urgent legislation covering elections, political parties, justice and economic frameworks. The representative urged interim authorities to favor inclusivity, transparency and openness so the assembly “is seen as representative of the unity and diversity of the nation.”

The briefing also warned of recent escalations of violence. It described clashes in Druze-majority suburbs of Damascus and reports of attacks on the outskirts of those areas, which the representative said caused dozens of casualties among civilians, local armed factions and security personnel before temporary agreements reduced hostilities. The representative said tensions persisted and reported fresh rocket attacks overnight. The coastal region was described as “fragile,” with an ongoing fact-finding committee examining incidents since March 6.

The representative expressed alarm at reports of Israeli strikes in Syria during the reporting period and said such attacks “are unacceptable and must cease,” calling for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The briefing also warned of an escalation in attacks by an actor named in the statement as ICERI, citing the use of IEDs and medium-range weapons in recent weeks.

Regarding the northeast, the representative described the March 10 agreement as a “historical opportunity” that requires compromises and progress on key aspects to secure stability and support the broader transition. The briefing noted renewed tensions and reported violence around the Tishreen Dam, while also saying there have been long periods of de-escalation and ongoing committee talks between the parties.

The representative closed by reiterating the United Nations’ commitment to play its full role in supporting an inclusive transition and to follow closely the moves to lift sanctions, while stressing immediate priorities on protection, confidence-building and participation.

The briefing did not record any formal Security Council vote or decision during the statement.