UN chief urges global support for Syria during first Damascus visit since 2009

Landmark Visit

UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Damascus on July 25 for his first visit to Syria since 2009, marking a significant moment in the country's post-war transition. In a post on X, he described the trip as a solidarity visit, emphasizing that the UN stands with Syria at this critical juncture and urging the international community to spare no effort in supporting the Syrian people.

Shortly after arrival, Guterres held talks with Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and toured the old quarter of Damascus, including the historic Umayyad Mosque. His visit comes as Syria recovers from a devastating conflict that began in March 2011, resulting in over half a million deaths.

Post-Assad Era

The five-decade-long Assad family rule ended in December 2024 when forces led by al-Sharaa's fighters stormed Damascus. Since then, the nation has struggled to recover from years of conflict and the impact of crippling Western sanctions. While the US and Europe have lifted many sanctions imposed during Assad's rule, the effect on the ground has been limited so far.

The international community has urged the new Islamist authorities to build strong, effective institutions and establish a governance system inclusive of Syria's multi-ethnic, multi-confessional society.

Golan Heights Concerns

Guterres plans to meet representatives of Syrian civil society and NGOs supporting women's issues, as well as visit a UN peacekeeping force stationed in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights since 1974. Following Assad's overthrow, Israel sent troops into the UN-patrolled buffer zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces and has conducted strikes and incursions deeper into Syrian territory. Israeli officials have stated their intention to maintain forces in a "security zone" in southern Syria.

"What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is totally unacceptable," Guterres told a press conference alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who called for an "immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal" from areas where they had advanced.

Despite tensions, Israel and Syria's new authorities have held several rounds of direct talks and agreed to establish an intelligence-sharing mechanism, though Israeli military activity has continued.

Humanitarian Situation

Since Assad's ousting, about 1.9 million internally displaced people and 1.7 million refugees have returned, according to the UN. However, 5.5 million people remain displaced inside the country and 6 million abroad. With many Syrians living in poverty, an estimated 15.6 million people require humanitarian assistance.