According to the UN Humanitarian Coordination Office (OCHA), there are more than 16 million people in need of assistance and hundreds of thousands are displaced.
Ms Rochdi began her presentation by welcoming the removal of UN sanctions against President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, but urged the repeal of new secondary sanctions against third parties doing business with Syria.
“These are a key impediment to enabling reconstruction and reviving the devastated Syrian economy.“, said.
He highlighted that Israeli military incursions in Syria continue: “in serious violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law”, and pushed for compliance with the UN-brokered 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which created a buffer zone and line of separation between Syrian and Israeli forces.
New social contract
Ms Rochdi noted that the first trial is underway following the deadly attacks on the Alawite community in Latakia and Tartus in March, when more than 1,000 people were killed in clashes, adding that the UN is following with “real concern” reports of abductions and enforced disappearances.
She called for transparency to ensure fair representation of all communities and women in the People’s Assembly – a new transitional legislative body – where a third of the 210 seats are waiting to be appointed by the president.
The drafting of a permanent constitution is a “fundamental task” for the next stages of the political transition, he stressed.
“The act of defining a new social contract among Syrians must be a source of peace and unity..”
A ‘way forward’
Speaking on behalf of aid chief Tom Fletcher, OCHA funding and outreach director Lisa Doughten said the ceasefire in southern Syria is holding, although sporadic incidents are still being reported.
Violent sectarian clashes between Druze militias and tribal fighters broke out around Sweida, reportedly fueled by kidnappings and tit-for-tat attacks.
More than 180,000 people remain displaced there and in neighboring governorates.
The UN continues to prioritize humanitarian response in those areas, working with national authorities and affected communities to provide basic services.
OCHA has reached 357,000 people per month, sending more than 1,300 aid trucks and work with a variety of partners.
Ms Doughten called for continued commitment from the international community, large-scale funding and investment for reconstruction.
“The people of Syria do not want to depend on emergency aid“, said.
Reconstruction needs are enormous, but recent developments such as the easing of sanctions and interest in investment “provide a path forward.”