Syria's fragile political transition has gained fresh momentum with a landmark agreement between Damascus and Kurdish authorities in the northeast, but renewed violence in the south, Israeli incursions and deep humanitarian needs underscore how precarious the path to stability remains, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Friday.
Briefing ambassadors for the first time as Deputy Special Envoy, Claudio Cordone pointed to the 30 January ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a potentially transformative development.
The deal provides for a phased military and administrative integration of northeast Syria and includes provisions on the return of displaced people and the protection of Kurdish civil and educational rights, building on Presidential Decree 13 on linguistic, cultural and citizenship rights.
"Hostilities have ended and work on an implementation plan has been progressing in a positive manner," Mr. Cordone said , noting deployments of Ministry of Interior forces in Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli, and discussions on local governance and political appointments.
The Secretary-General on 30 January welcomed the agreement, appealing for all sides "to work swiftly to ensure its implementation, especially in terms of the peaceful integration of northeast Syria, the rights of Syrian Kurds, the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the displaced."
In a presidential statement issued on Thursday, Council members likewise welcomed the "comprehensive agreement" and stressed the need to adhere to it to "minimize civilian suffering" and prevent any "security vacuum" around ISIL (Da'esh) detention facilities.
What is the UN doing in Syria now?
The UN is supporting Syria's political transition while continuing large-scale humanitarian operations across the country.
The Office of the Special Envoy is engaging with the Government and a broad range of stakeholders to help advance the political process, including implementation of the recent agreement on northeast Syria, support for inclusive governance, and the protection and promotion of human rights.
At the same time, humanitarian agencies are delivering life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians.
UN teams and partners are providing food, water, medical supplies, shelter and protection services, while supporting mine action, restoring basic services and helping create conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary returns.
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