UN Warns of Renewed Syrian Conflict, Offers Hope After Sanctions Lifted

The top UN official for Syria, Geir Pedersen, warned on Wednesday of “real dangers of renewed conflict and deeper confrontation” in the war-torn country, Arab News reported. However, he also expressed hope for improved living conditions following decisions by the United States and European Union to lift sanctions.

Pedersen noted the existing fragilities, pointing to recent violence against the Druze minority in late April and killings in Alawite-minority areas in March, highlighting the “urgent need to address the growing polarization.” He told the UN Security Council that the challenges facing Syria are “enormous, and the real dangers of renewed conflict and deeper fragmentation have not yet been overcome.”

Speaking via video from Damascus, Pedersen called the sanctions relief, which includes moves by the UK last month and financial/energy support from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, “historic developments.” He stated these hold “major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition.”

Former Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted late last year after a 13-year war. The new Syrian government, led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa, has emphasized preserving Syria’s heritage of coexistence despite massive challenges. Ramesh Rajasingham, the UN humanitarian division’s chief coordinator, informed the council that 90% of Syrians currently live in poverty, with 16.5 million needing protection and humanitarian assistance, and nearly 3 million facing acute food insecurity.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that Syria is potentially “on the verge of collapse,” which could lead to civil war and the country becoming “a playground” for ISIS and other militants. Pedersen noted that ISIS has been escalating attacks in Syria recently. Rubio stated that while there’s no guarantee of success, not trying to stabilize Syria by lifting sanctions would guarantee failure. The US is now working to implement the president’s direction on Syria sanctions, with hopes for new investment and a path to a “bright, prosperous and stable future.”