United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his commitment to restoring Syria’s stability, expressing gratitude for Syria’s continued permission for the UN to deliver humanitarian aid across border crossings. He emphasized the need to expand and implement early recovery projects while addressing the challenges posed by funding shortages. This statement came during a meeting in New York with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, where they discussed the escalation of Israeli actions in the region and the serious implications of Israel’s ongoing assaults on Syria, as well as its conflict with the Palestinian people and aggression against Lebanon. Guterres described these actions as a threat to regional and international peace and security, according to the Syrian news agency SANA.
Guterres indicated that he had instructed the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to activate assistance mechanisms for Syria to cope with the repercussions of current events in the region. In response, Sabbagh outlined the Syrian government’s efforts to achieve security and stability within the country, maintaining a priority on counter-terrorism initiatives. The two officials also discussed the existing cooperation between the Syrian government and the UN, emphasizing the importance of focusing on early recovery projects, securing necessary funding, and advocating for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people.
The situation in Syria remains critical as the country grapples with an ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by more than a decade of conflict. As of 2024, around 15.3 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance, which represents 85% of the population still in the country. This dire situation has been compounded by a severe economic crisis, with inflation rates soaring to 90% and over 80% of Syrians now living below the international poverty line.
The humanitarian landscape is further strained by the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck parts of Syria and Turkey in early 2023, causing widespread destruction and displacement. Reports indicate that approximately 8.8 million people were affected by the earthquake, intensifying the existing challenges of food insecurity, which now affects 12.1 million Syrians.
International efforts to address the crisis have been hampered by funding shortfalls, with less than 13% of the UN’s humanitarian appeal met as of mid-2024. This has led to a significant reduction in aid services, including safe water and healthcare, leaving many vulnerable populations without adequate support.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict, including airstrikes from Israel, adds layers of complexity to the already volatile situation. Tensions continue to escalate, with fears that the conflict could further spill over into neighboring regions, threatening both regional and global stability.
