The United Nations Security Council convenes for an urgent session to address the ongoing Syrian conflict amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.
At a Glance
- The UN Security Council is holding an emergency meeting on Syria after a rapid offensive by rebel factions.
- More than 540,000 people have fled to Syria from Lebanon since late September.
- 2024 could be the most violent year since 2020 in Syria, necessitating urgent de-escalation.
- The humanitarian situation is severe, with numerous challenges including food insecurity.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns
The Syrian conflict continues to devastate the nation, with territorial gains by rebels prompting the Syrian government to seek international intervention. The UN is now tasked with assessing the evolving geopolitical landscape and severe humanitarian needs in the region. A political process aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) remains crucial, as the nation grapples with widespread violence and displacement. Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen is actively engaging stakeholders in an effort to mediate and stabilize the region.
With the crisis entering its 14th year, the situation in Syria has been exacerbated by devastating earthquakes and increased regional tensions. 2024 is on the brink of becoming the most violent year since 2020, amid heightened Israeli air strikes and regional turmoil. The need for a comprehensive ceasefire is urgent, with the UN calling for direct action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering facing millions of Syrians.
#BREAKING UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Syria Tuesday: diplomatic sources pic.twitter.com/9UxiZmiXc9
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 2, 2024
International Engagement and Responsibilities
Nations such as France have shown willingness to reconsider sanctions if the political process shows concrete progress. The Security Council remains divided on issues of sanctions, foreign military occupation, and the responsibilities of the Assad regime. The Secretary-General has urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, reinforcing the legal and humanitarian responsibilities of all involved parties to protect civilian lives.
“He calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, reminds all parties of their obligations under international law, including humanitarian law, and calls for an immediate return to the UN-facilitated political process in line with Security Council resolution 2254″ – Mr. Dujarric.
The immediate priority is ensuring safety and adequate humanitarian protection for returnees. The UN has emphasized the need for cooperation with agencies such as UNHCR to support ongoing relief efforts. Aid routes, primarily through Türkiye, are crucial as on-ground operations are hindered by security threats. Addressing emerging health crises like cholera outbreaks is an urgent humanitarian need.
BREAKING – UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Syria Tuesday: diplomatic sources https://t.co/VN1GDvRAz3 pic.twitter.com/dJcraH1fI0
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 2, 2024
Humanitarian Aid and Future Prospects
The UN cites an alarming number of displaced individuals, with over 540,000 reportedly seeking refuge in Syria from Lebanon. This massive displacement alongside damaged infrastructure demands immediate international assistance and robust funding. Calls for regional de-escalation highlight the high stakes involved in ensuring peace across conflict zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.
“The immediate priority for Syria is de-escalation, she stressed, noting that 2024 is “well on track to be the most violent since 2020,” with “Syrians […] trapped in an unrelenting cycle of violence and suffering, forced to flee from places of refuge now under attack — both within their homeland and beyond its borders”.” – Najat Rochdi.
The broader international community, including influential African council members like Mozambique and Sierra Leone, is pivotal to advancing diplomatic measures. With ongoing deliberations, the overriding goal remains to chart a credible course toward peace and engage in genuine political dialogue for Syria’s future stability.
Sources
2. UN chief calls for ceasefire amid sharp escalation in northwest Syria
