New York, April 23 (SANA) Senior U.N. officials on Wednesday urged expanded international support for Syria’s recovery and humanitarian response during a Security Council session on the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, stressing the need to support institutions, protect civilians and advance long-term stability.
Officials stress support for institutions, call to lift sanctions
U.N. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone said addressing the country’s challenges requires comprehensive support for state institutions, strengthening social cohesion and reintegrating Syria into the global financial and economic system.
He said the United Nations is actively working toward these goals, welcoming steps taken by the Syrian government to reduce poverty, enhance transparency and introduce legislation aimed at strengthening justice and rebuilding public trust.
Cordone stressed the need to lift sanctions and address their economic and social impact, describing this as essential to advancing recovery and reconstruction.
He also criticized continued Israeli violations of U.N. resolutions on Syria, including near-daily incursions, calling for respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and Syria’s sovereignty.
On counterterrorism, Cordone said the ISIS group remains a concern, while welcoming ongoing efforts by Syrian forces, in cooperation with the international coalition, to combat terrorism, secure borders and curb smuggling.
Child protection, mine clearance seen as key to stability
U.N. Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba reaffirmed support for Syria’s efforts to combat child recruitment and rebuild the country, stressing that clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war is critical to achieving stability.
She said unexploded ordnance remains the leading cause of child casualties in Syria, calling for intensified efforts to enable safe returns and ensure access to essential services, particularly education and healthcare.
Gamba noted that while the Syrian government has demonstrated strong commitment, available resources remain insufficient given the scale of the challenge.
Safe returns, recovery efforts gain momentum
U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said the safe and dignified return of Syrians remains a priority, pointing to positive indicators despite ongoing challenges.
He said conditions in Syria are gradually improving, with millions returning to their areas, while efforts continue to restore essential services and advance Syrian-led recovery.
Fletcher said the United Nations is working with the Syrian government on major initiatives, including “No Camps” and “No Mines,” aimed at accelerating returns and clearing explosive remnants of war.
Funding gap threatens humanitarian response
Fletcher added that recent floods caused significant damage across several provinces, announcing $146 million in additional funding for 17 life-saving projects.
He called on the international community to increase funding, noting that at least $1.5 billion is needed in the coming months to sustain essential services and preserve recent gains.
He stressed that investment in recovery and development remains essential to ensuring long-term stability in Syria.
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