Syria sees returns but recovery stays fragile, warns UN

Over a year following the fall of the Assad regime, UN officials report a fragile and uneven recovery inside Syria. While acknowledging tangible progress, including the return of over two million internally displaced persons and more than one point three million refugees, they detailed severe ongoing challenges. Returnees often find destroyed infrastructure and a critical lack of basic services like electricity, water, and healthcare, which discourages further returns.

Politically, steps such as forming a new cabinet and holding indirect elections have been noted. However, significant inter-communal tensions persist, erupting into violent incidents across several regions. Security remains compromised by internal clashes and continued Israeli military operations in the south, which the UN stated violates Syrian sovereignty and the longstanding disengagement agreement.

The overall humanitarian situation remains dire for millions. The UN emphasizes that international support must align with a Syrian-led political process, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions, while upholding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The path to stable governance and widespread recovery is described as precarious and fraught with the lingering scars of conflict.