United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community on Sunday to expand political, economic and humanitarian support for Syria, saying the country now faces a historic chance to build a more stable, inclusive and prosperous future after years of conflict and repression.
Speaking at a news conference in Damascus at the close of his visit, Guterres said Syria’s transition offered an opportunity to “write a new chapter” in which all Syrians could see themselves represented.
“The United Nations stands with the Syrian people at this pivotal moment,” he said, describing his visit as an expression of solidarity and partnership with “this great country and its remarkable people.”
Guterres said the central challenge was converting political change into visible improvements in daily life, including enhanced security, restored public services, employment and stronger economic prospects.
He called on the international community to intensify its support, warning that current UN assistance meets only about 20 percent of the population’s humanitarian needs.
Syria, he said, requires sustained international engagement to rebuild basic services and infrastructure, strengthen education and healthcare, create economic opportunities and reconnect the country with regional and global markets.
He also urged development partners and international institutions to return, saying their involvement is essential to unlocking Syria’s economic potential and advancing reconstruction.
Sednaya visit reveals scale of repression
On Saturday, Guterres visited the notorious Sednaya military prison outside Damascus, accompanied by Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi.
In a post on X, he said the prison revealed “the full horror of the repression practiced by the former Syrian regime.”
At the news conference, he said he had heard accounts from former detainees and had been horrified by evidence of the killing and torture of tens of thousands of people.
The Syrian people, he said, had endured immense suffering, yet their determination to pursue their legitimate aspirations remained unbroken.
He noted that meaningful progress had been made in the political transition despite the deep scars left by years of war.
Guterres stressed that transitional justice must include accountability for all crimes committed during the conflict. He reaffirmed UN support for accountability, reconciliation, the drafting of a permanent constitution and the holding of free and fair elections.
He also emphasized that Syrian men and women must play a direct role in shaping the country’s future.
Call for Israel to respect Syrian sovereignty
The UN chief condemned ongoing violations of Syrian sovereignty and called on Israel to comply fully with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
“Violations of Syria’s territorial sovereignty are unacceptable,” he said, urging respect for the country’s independence, unity and territorial integrity.
Guterres said the United Nations would submit a detailed report to the Security Council at the end of July on Israeli violations in Syria and their implications for stability in the country and the wider region.
During his visit, he met Quneitra Governor Ghassan al-Sayyed Ahmad and discussed Syrians detained or abducted by Israeli forces, as well as reported violations in southern Syria.
He also visited the headquarters of the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights buffer zone.
Meetings with Syrian leaders
Guterres arrived at Damascus International Airport on Saturday morning and was received by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.
The visit was the first by a UN secretary-general to Syria since 2009 and the first since the fall of the former government.
During his stay, Guterres met President Ahmed al-Sharaa, al-Shaibani, senior government officials and representatives of Syrian civil society.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation with the United Nations, supporting the political transition, advancing economic recovery and reconstruction, and ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced Syrians.
Guterres also visited the Umayyad Mosque and toured Damascus’s Old City.
He described Syria as a historic crossroads of civilizations and a vital pillar of regional stability, saying the country should not be left to shoulder the burden of recovery alone.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
