UN envoy warns against renewed instability in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the U.N. Secretary-General for Syria, issued on Tuesday a stark warning, emphasizing that “Syria simply cannot withstand another wave of instability.”
Speaking at a U.N. Security Council session, Rochdi conveyed concerns shared by Syrians whom Special Envoy Geir Pedersen met during a recent visit to Damascus. “Some of the people that the Special Envoy met in Damascus voiced concern over ongoing attacks targeting specific communities and groups, including Alawites, Druze, and women,” she said.
Rochdi noted that while many of those she spoke with did not believe the incidents were part of official policy, they highlighted persistent challenges facing transitional authorities in exerting full control over all actors on the ground.
She welcomed recent developments, including decisions to reinstate judges previously dismissed by the former regime, and Syria’s renewed engagement with international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
“The UN continues to welcome and encourage international actions which contribute to the reactivation of Syria’s economy,” she stressed.
Rochdi also emphasized the need for inclusive engagement with Syrians from all sectors of society to better understand public sentiment regarding these evolving dynamics.
She underlined the urgency of rehabilitating displacement camps, which remain in dire condition.
Despite the ongoing fragility in Syria’s security, social, and economic conditions, Rochdi noted an encouraging sign: nearly 600,000 Syrians—mostly from neighboring countries—have returned to Syria over the past six months. While this reflects a cautious optimism, she warned that progress remains tenuous without concerted international backing and comprehensive reconciliation efforts.