The agreement provides for a gradual military and administrative integration of northeastern Syria and includes provisions on the return of displaced people and the protection of civil and educational rights of the Kurds, based on Presidential Decree 13 on linguistic, cultural and citizenship rights.
“The hostilities have ended and Work on an implementation plan has progressed positively.”said Cordone, highlighting the deployments of Interior Ministry forces in Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli, and discussions on local governance and political appointments.
On January 30, the Secretary-General welcomed the agreement, calling on all parties to “work quickly to ensure its implementation”especially in terms of the peaceful integration of northeastern Syria, the rights of the Syrian Kurds and the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the displaced.”
In a presidential statement issued on Thursday, Council members also welcomed the “comprehensive agreement” and emphasized the need to adhere to it to “minimize civilian suffering” and prevent any “security vacuum” around ISIL (Daesh) detention centers.
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.
He Office of the Special Envoy is collaborating with the Government and a wide range of stakeholders to help advance the political process, including the implementation of the recent agreement on northeast Syria, supporting inclusive governance, and protecting and promoting human rights.
At the same time, humanitarian agencies They are providing life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians.
United Nations teams and partners are providing food, water, medical supplies, shelter and protection services, while supporting mine action, restoring basic services and helping to create conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary returns.
Visit the UN News Focus on Syria section to read more about the UN’s work and commitment to Syria.
The situation remains delicate
The evolution of the situation around these facilities remains delicate.
Cordone said the UN is closely monitoring the transfers of Syrian and non-Syrian Daesh suspects to Iraq, adding that Iraqi procedures must “fully respect fair trial standards” and urged member states to repatriate their nationals “as quickly as possible.”
While the northeast has seen relative stabilization, tensions persist elsewhere.
In Sweida, renewed clashes between government forces and local armed groups have caused damage and power outages. Protests calling for self-determination have resurfaced and the UN reiterated calls for confidence-building measures within “full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.”
In southern Syria, Israeli raids and search operations have continued, along with reports of aerial herbicide spraying damaging crops. The UN envoy called for “full respect for international law” and urged Israel to withdraw from areas it occupies “in violation of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement,” while supporting “mutually acceptable security arrangements between Israel and Syria.”
Humanitarian challenges persist
Humanitarian conditions remain serious despite modest improvements.
Lisa Doughten, Director of Funding at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said the recent clashes displaced tens of thousands of people; Although many have returned, some 130,000 people remain uprooted in the governorates of Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Aleppo. More than 90 percent are women and girls, and many are taking refuge in overcrowded camps or with host families already under pressure.
Heavy flooding this week in Idlib and northern Latakia killed two children and damaged or destroyed about 2,000 tents, affecting more than 5,000 displaced people.
Still, access and basic services are gradually improving in parts of the northeast. UN teams have reached 200,000 people and organized more than 170 truck movements. Power supply in Ain al-Arab (Kobane) has reportedly been restored following repairs.
Participants in a UN workshop on recovery priorities, challenges and response planning.
Meaningful representation of all Syrians crucial
Politically, The next milestone in the transition is the formation of the Popular Assembly.. Voting for the majority of elected seats took place in October 2025, and additional seats, including Raqqa, are scheduled to be filled. Confirmation of the appointment of 70 members by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the date of the inaugural session, is awaited.
Cordone reiterated the importance of meaningful representation of Syria’s regions and diverse groups, highlighting that “The protection and promotion of human rights – including addressing the issue of missing persons and transitional justice – are fundamental elements for a credible and successful political transition.“
“Extraordinary role” of Syrian women
She highlighted the “extraordinary role” of Syrian women and civil society during the decade-long conflict and said that women’s political participation at all levels is “a pillar of a State committed to plurality, inclusion and opportunities for all.”
“I salute the Syrian people for their determination in overcoming decades of oppression and brutal conflict. I hope to strengthen the UN partnership with Syria for a stable, peaceful and prosperous future” he said in Arabic at the conclusion of his briefing.