UN welcomes Syria–SDF deal, urges protection of civilians and rights
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed on Friday the agreement reached between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), praising the efforts of all parties involved in supporting the deal.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Guterres urged all sides to work urgently to ensure the agreement’s full implementation, particularly regarding the peaceful integration of Northeast Syria, the protection of the rights of Syrian Kurds, the safe, dignified and voluntary return of displaced persons, and joint efforts toward the country’s reconstruction.
He also called on all parties to fully uphold their commitments, prioritize stability in Syria and the wider region, and ensure the protection of civilians so they can live safely and with dignity, free from fear.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (IICI) on Syria also welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached on Friday between Damascus and the SDF, calling for continued efforts to protect civilians, facilitate the return of displaced residents, and allow humanitarian aid to reach northeast Syria.
Paulo Pinheiro, chair of the IICI, expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a complete end to hostilities and a sustainable solution, including addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring stable access to food, water and electricity.
He also welcomed a recent Syrian presidential decree recognizing the cultural, linguistic and citizenship rights of Syrian Kurds, rights he said had long been denied under successive Assad-led governments.
The IICI warned against violations of international humanitarian law, citing reports of killings of fighters who had laid down their arms, civilian deaths, and the desecration of bodies.
It said investigations into alleged violations are ongoing and findings will be reported in due course.
The commission further voiced serious concern over the humanitarian situation, particularly amid harsh winter conditions, shortages of basic services, and the situation of detainees—especially children—following the transfer of detention facilities, including the al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa.
Tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF have periodically escalated in Northeast Syria, particularly around strategic cities and security installations. Clashes in recent years have been followed by fragile ceasefires brokered through international and regional mediation, including Russian and US channels.
Previous truces often focused on halting hostilities, exchanging detainees, and maintaining joint security arrangements, but many collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations.
The latest agreement comes after renewed military escalation and growing humanitarian pressure, raising hopes it could mark a more durable step toward de-escalation if fully implemented.