In a statement on Sunday, António Guterres paid tribute to “the resilience and courage of the Syrian people, who have never stopped nourishing hope despite unimaginable ordeals”. He described the past year as proof that “meaningful change is possible when Syrians are empowered and supported in leading their own transition.”
“What lies ahead is much more than a political transition; it is an opportunity to rebuild broken communities and heal deep divisions,” the UN chief said. “This is an opportunity to forge a nation where every Syrian – regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or political affiliation – can live in safety, equality and dignity. »
A year of fragile progress
Since Assad fled Damascus last December, the UN has worked closely with Syrian authorities and civil society to stabilize the country and lay the foundations for inclusive governance. Efforts have focused on restoring essential services, expanding humanitarian access and creating return pathways for refugees and displaced people.
In another sign of progress and hope, the United Nations refugee agency reports that more than a million refugees have returned since December 2024, alongside some two million people in Syria who have returned to their communities of origin.
Transitional justice initiatives began to take shape, while Syrian women became key voices in forming new institutions and demanding equality.
Humanitarian needs remain immense, but the past year has seen progress in rebuilding local governance structures and expanding civic participation – steps the UN considers vital for an “inclusive and accountable Syria”.
The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry welcomed the steps, noting that long-denied access has finally been granted and a commitment to human rights is underway. He welcomed the creation of national bodies on transitional justice and the missing, while warning that the transition in Syria remains fragile in a context of persistent insecurity and sporadic violence in several governorates.
The Commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in August 2011 to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law since March 2011 in Syria, highlighted the continuing pain of thousands of people still subjected to enforced disappearances and warned that cycles of reprisals must end for peace to take root.
“It will take strength, patience and support to overcome the legacy of 14 years of war,” he said, urging Syrians and the international community to work together to make long-denied rights a reality for all.
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Call for global support
In his message, Mr. Guterres urged the international community to “strongly support this Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition,” stressing that success depends on sustainable funding for humanitarian appeals, removing obstacles to reconstruction and promoting economic development.
“On this anniversary, we are united in one goal: to build a foundation of peace and prosperity and renew our commitment to a free, sovereign, united and inclusive Syria,” he said.
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