“Syrians shocked the world by overcoming years of authoritarian rule, marking the first real opportunity in generations to reshape their country’s future. after decades of conflict, unfathomable brutality and profound human suffering,” said UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi.
He said Syrians have shown “remarkable courage” over the past year despite hardship and uncertainty.
Justice and accountability
Significant progress has been made since the collapse of the previous government.
National commissions for Transitional Justice and Missing Persons were created earlier this year, finally paving the way for accountability.
UN access for rights monitoring and judicial reform has improved and international engagement with Syrian institutions has expanded.
Robert Petit, head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria, which aims to support future prosecutions of crimes committed under the former regime, highlighted that last year saw progress in collecting and analyzing evidence for future prosecutions.
He welcomed the creation of new national justice bodies in Syria as “a significant and welcome development,” while noting that key questions remain about the scope of transitional justice.
“The opportunities we have before us today did not exist a year ago.”said Mr. Petit.
Rebuild trust
During a Security Council visit to Syria last week, Council President and Slovenian Ambassador Samuel Žbogar said the body’s mission was focused on rebuilding “trust.”
“We came here to build trust – to build our confidence in your efforts for a better future and to build your confidence in the intentions of the Security Council and the United Nations,” he told reporters in Damascus, after meeting with Syrian leaders, civil society, religious figures and communities affected by recent violence.
He stressed that Syria’s path forward must remain “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned,” with the international community ready to support it.
A woman holds the new Syrian flag in front of the UN headquarters in New York. (April 2025)
Challenges persist
However, serious challenges remain: renewed sectarian violence targeting predominantly Alawite coastal areas or Druze communities in Sweida and other governorates in recent months has led to new displacement and deepened fears among Syrians still recovering from 14 years of war.
Millions of people also continue to suffer deep humanitarian needs, with many forced to spend another winter in tents or damaged homes.
The UN Secretary-General, in a separate anniversary message, said that while humanitarian needs remain immense, progress has been made in restoring essential services, expanding access to aid and creating pathways for returns. He stressed that the transition must lead to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Syrians.
Drone images of the city of Latamneh in Hama, which was completely destroyed during the conflict. Mines and unexploded ordnance remain scattered in the area, posing a deadly risk to civilians, especially children.
A historical crossroads
Despite the current insecurity, UN officials stress that the country is at a historic crossroads.
Petit described the first post-Assad year as “a milestone in a journey that will last years,” adding that justice “must be inclusive and based on meticulous evidence and due process.”
Rochdi echoed that message, saying the success of the transition depends on sustained commitment.
“Right now lies something truly extraordinary: the opportunity to continue rebuilding fractured communities and Forge a Syria where all people can be equal in dignity, opportunities and rights.“, said.