The agreement provides for a phased military and administrative integration of northeastern Syria and includes provisions on the return of displaced persons and the protection of Kurdish civil and educational rights, building on Presidential Decree 13 on linguistic, cultural and citizenship rights.
‘Hostilities have ended and Work on an implementation plan has made positive progress”, Mr. Cordone saidhighlighting the deployment of Ministry of Interior troops in Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli, and discussions on local governance and political appointments.
The Secretary-General on January 30 Welcome the agreement, It calls on all parties “to work quickly on its implementationespecially in terms of the peaceful integration of Northeast Syria, the rights of the Syrian Kurds and the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the displaced.”
In one presidential statement Council members also welcomed the “comprehensive agreement” and stressed the need to adhere to it to “minimize the suffering of the civilian population” and to avoid a “security vacuum” around ISIL (Da’esh) detention centers.
What is the UN doing in Syria now?
The UN is supporting the political transition in Syria while continuing large-scale humanitarian operations across the country.
The Office of the Special Envoy works with the government and a wide range of stakeholders to help advance the political process, including the implementation of the recent agreement on Northeast Syria, support for inclusive governance, and the protection and promotion of human rights.
At the same time, humanitarian organizations provide life-saving aid to millions of Syrians.
UN teams and partners are providing food, water, medical supplies, shelter and protection services, while supporting mine action, restoring basic services and helping to create conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary returns.
Visit the UN news Focus on Syria section to read more about the UN’s work and involvement in Syria.
The situation remains sensitive
The evolving situation surrounding these facilities remains sensitive.
Mr Cordone said the UN was closely monitoring the transfer of Syrian and non-Syrian Da’esh suspects to Iraq, adding that Iraqi procedures “must fully respect due process standards” and urged member states to repatriate their nationals “as quickly as possible”.
While There has been relative stabilization in the northeast, but tensions persist elsewhere.
In Sweida, renewed clashes between government forces and local armed groups have caused damage and electricity outages. Protests calling for self-determination have resurfaced, and the UN reiterated calls for confidence-building measures within “full respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In southern Syria, Israeli raids and search operations have continued, alongside reports of aerial spraying of herbicides targeting harmful crops. The UN envoy called for “full respect for international law” and urged Israel to withdraw from areas it occupies “in violation of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement,” while supporting “mutually acceptable security arrangements between Israel and Syria.”
The humanitarian challenges remain
Humanitarian conditions remain serious, despite modest improvements.
Lisa Doughten, Director of Financing at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said recent clashes have displaced tens of thousands; Although many have returned, about 130,000 people remain uprooted in Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Aleppo governorates. More than 90 percent are women and girls, many of whom find shelter in overcrowded camps or with host families that are already under pressure.
Heavy flooding this week in Idleb and northern Latakia killed two children and damaged or destroyed about 2,000 tents, affecting more than 5,000 displaced people.
Yet access and basic services are gradually improving in parts of the Northeast. UN teams have reached 200,000 people and organized more than 170 truck movements. In Ain al-Arab (Kobane), electricity supply has reportedly resumed after repairs.
UN in Syria
Participants in a UN workshop on recovery priorities, challenges and response planning.
Meaningful representation of all Syrians is crucial
Politically, the next milestone in the transition is the formation of the People’s Assembly. The vote for the most elected seats took place in October 2025 – and more seats will be filled, including in Raqqa. Confirmation of the appointment of 70 members by President Ahmed al-Sharaa is awaited, as well as the date of the opening session.
Mr. Cordone reiterated the importance of meaningful representation of Syria’s regions and diverse groups, emphasizing that “the protection and promotion of human rights – including addressing the issue of missingness and transitional justice – are fundamental elements for a credible and successful political transition.”
‘Extraordinary role’ of Syrian women
He highlighted the “extraordinary role” of Syrian women and civil society during the decade-long conflict, saying women’s political participation at all levels is “a pillar for a state committed to plurality, inclusion and opportunity for all.”
“I salute the Syrian people for their determination in overcoming decades of oppression and brutal conflict. I look forward to the The UN’s partnership with Syria in the pursuit of a stable, peaceful and prosperous future” he said in Arabic as he concluded his briefing.
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