UN warns Syria transition remains fragile amid insecurity
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The UN on Tuesday warned that Syria’s political transition has reached an important institutional milestone but remains fragile amid continued insecurity, Israeli military activity and an underfunded humanitarian response.
Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, told the UN Security Council via video-link from Damascus that the establishment of a People’s Assembly and a Supreme Constitutional Court represented significant steps in the country’s transition.
“The past month has demonstrated both the opportunities and the fragility of Syria’s transition,” Cordone told the 15-member council.
The People’s Assembly recently held its inaugural session and includes 206 members from professional, political, tribal and social backgrounds. Women account for 22 members, while two of the seven members of the Supreme Constitutional Court are women.
“Ensuring effective responses to questions of inclusion, participation and representation will continue to be essential for stability in Syria,” Cordone said, stressing that strengthening legislative and judicial institutions independently from the executive would be an important part of the transition.
The remarks come after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, ending more than five decades of family rule and over 13 years of conflict.
Cordone said Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has increased engagement with the international community and undertaken reforms, including pledges to pursue accountability for past atrocities.
He also called for a comprehensive, Syrian-led transitional justice framework that includes reparations and recognition of survivors’ experiences.
Cordone noted progress in military, judicial and administrative integration efforts in northeastern Syria but warned that the political impasse in southern Syria’s Suwayda remains unresolved.
He condemned terrorist attacks and Israeli military activity, saying Israeli incursions and restrictions on civilians were heightening regional tensions and undermining confidence in the transition.
“The success of this transition will not be judged solely by the institutions that are created, but by how they function,” Cordone said.