Syria’s Precarious Hope

This document appears too be a statement or speech delivered by a representative of France,likely at a United Nations forum,regarding the situation in Syria. Here’s a breakdown of its key points,organized by the numbered priorities:

Overall Goal: To support the building of a “new syria.”

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1. Restoring Civil Peace

Urgency: The immediate priority is to restore civil peace due to recent violence in the Soueida region, which highlights ongoing tensions.
Responsibility of Transition Authorities: Syrian transition authorities must prove they can protect all Syrians equally. Ceasefire: The obtained ceasefire must be respected.
Accountability for Atrocities: Full clarity and investigation into atrocities committed against civilians are demanded.
Unity: The agreement of March 10th between Syrian transitional authorities and representatives of Northeast Syria should be accelerated to peacefully restore Syria’s unity. France will facilitate discussions, including hosting them in Paris.
Inclusivity: All Syrians must find their place in the new Syria, and authorities are called upon to build the necessary political solutions.
Counter-Terrorism: The resurgence of terrorism is a major challenge, exemplified by the attack on the Saint-Elie church. Syrian authorities need to make clear public commitments and take measures to continue the fight against terrorism. France offers assistance in this area.
Regional Stability & Israel: Neighboring countries can contribute to Syria’s stability. France calls on Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty,to pacify relations with its neighbors,and to end military activities on Syrian territory and withdraw from the separation zone established by the 1974 agreement. France welcomes recent discussions between Israelis and Syrians held in Paris.

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2.Establishing the Foundations of a stable and Inclusive State

Positive Developments: Acknowledgment of a national dialog (which must continue) and the drafting of a provisional constitutional declaration. Next Steps: Syrian authorities must appoint a provisional legislative assembly,crucial for adopting necessary reforms.
Involvement of All Syrians: The transition’s implementation must be guided by the involvement of all Syrian people.
Transitional Justice: A transitional justice process is paramount. The conclusions of the commission of inquiry into massacres on the Syrian coast are a first step, showing a willingness to address atrocities. The translation of these conclusions into a serious and equitable legal process is needed to confirm the credibility of Syrian authorities’ commitments.

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3. International Community support for Reconstruction

Economic Reconstruction: The international community must help rebuild the syrian economy and create economic opportunities for Syrians.
Sanctions Relief: The lifting of European, American, and British sanctions is seen as contributing to investment and trade resumption. UN Role: The United Nations has a role in coordinating international efforts.
Political: Support for UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen’s efforts to build an inclusive Syria, in line with Resolution 2254.
Humanitarian: Rehabilitation of basic services and massive humanitarian aid are essential for economic recovery.
Technical Expertise: The UN can provide technical expertise to support Syrian authorities. A strategic review by the secretariat is needed to better articulate these priorities.

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Conclusion:

The statement concludes by expressing legitimate hopes for the possibility of building a “new Syria.”

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In essence,France is advocating for a multi-pronged approach to support Syria’s transition,focusing on peace,stability,inclusivity,and reconstruction,while also highlighting the crucial role of Syrian authorities and the international community.

what are the primary obstacles preventing Syrian refugees from returning to their homeland?

The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Syria remains entrenched in a complex humanitarian crisis, over a decade after the outbreak of civil war in 2011. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, both internally and as refugees across neighboring countries and Europe. As of mid-2025, millions of Syrians are still considered internally displaced persons (IDPs), facing dire conditions in camps and makeshift settlements. The scale of the Syria crisis is immense, impacting nearly every facet of Syrian life.

Displacement Figures: over 6.8 million Syrians are registered as refugees, primarily in Turkey, lebanon, and Jordan.

IDP Numbers: An estimated 6.7 million Syrians are internally displaced.

Humanitarian Needs: Access to basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and healthcare remains severely limited for a critically important portion of the population.

the Political Landscape & Fragmented Control

The Syrian government, led by Bashar al-Assad, has regained control over much of the country, but significant areas remain outside its grasp. These include regions held by:

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF): Primarily in northeastern Syria, with support from the United States. This area faces ongoing threats from Turkey.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): Dominates the Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold.

Various Rebel Groups: Scattered throughout the country, often with limited resources and influence.

This fragmented control complicates efforts to achieve a lasting political solution and hinders peace negotiations. The involvement of external actors – Russia,Iran,Turkey,the United States – further complicates the situation,each with its own strategic interests in Syria. The Syrian civil war has become a proxy conflict,exacerbating the suffering of the Syrian people.

Economic Devastation and the Currency Crisis

Syria’s economy has been utterly devastated by the war. Infrastructure has been destroyed,industries crippled,and agricultural production severely disrupted.The Syrian pound has plummeted in value, leading to hyperinflation and widespread poverty.

Inflation Rate: In early 2025, Syria’s annual inflation rate exceeded 140%, making basic goods unaffordable for many.

Unemployment: Unemployment rates are estimated to be above 50%, with youth unemployment even higher.

* Food Insecurity: A significant percentage of the population is food insecure, relying on humanitarian aid for survival. The economic collapse in syria is a major driver of the humanitarian crisis.

The Impact of Sanctions

international sanctions imposed on the Syrian government, intended to pressure Assad to end the conflict and improve human rights, have had a significant unintended consequence: exacerbating the economic hardship faced by ordinary Syrians. While sanctions are targeted at the regime and its supporters, they often impact access to essential goods and services. The debate surrounding Syria sanctions continues, with calls for adjustments to mitigate their humanitarian impact.

reconstruction challenges & Obstacles

Reconstruction efforts are hampered by several factors:

1. Ongoing Conflict: Active fighting and instability in parts of the country make large-scale reconstruction impossible.
2. Lack of Funding: International donors are hesitant to invest in reconstruction without a clear political roadmap and guarantees of accountability.
3. Land Ownership Disputes: The war has created complex land ownership disputes, hindering rebuilding efforts.
4. Corruption: Widespread corruption within the Syrian government diverts resources away from reconstruction projects.

The scale of Syria reconstruction needed is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

The Role of Humanitarian Organizations

Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations continue to provide vital assistance to Syrians in need. Organizations like the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Food Program (WFP) are working to deliver food, water, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services. However, access to vulnerable populations is often restricted due to security concerns and bureaucratic obstacles.Humanitarian aid to Syria is crucial for preventing further suffering.

The Situation in Idlib Province

Idlib province, controlled by HTS, remains a particularly volatile region. The population is largely comprised of displaced Syrians and rebels. The area is frequently targeted by airstrikes, and the threat of a large-scale offensive by the Syrian government and its allies remains a constant concern. The future of Idlib Syria is uncertain, and the humanitarian situation is dire.

The Kurdish Question and Northeast syria

Northeast Syria, administered by the SDF, faces unique challenges. While relatively stable compared to other parts of the country, the region is threatened by Turkey, which views the SDF as an extension of Kurdish militants within its own borders. the Kurdish situation in Syria is a complex issue with regional implications.The SDF seeks greater autonomy within a democratic Syria, but faces opposition from both the Syrian government and Turkey.

The Return of Refugees: A Complex Issue

The issue of Syrian refugee return is fraught with challenges. Many refugees are reluctant to return due to fears of persecution, lack of security, and economic hardship. Concerns about arbitrary detention,torture,and forced conscription remain widespread. safe, voluntary, and dignified return requires a fundamental shift in the political and security landscape of Syria.

The Psychological Toll of War

beyond the physical devastation, the Syrian conflict has inflicted a profound psychological toll on the population. Years of violence, displacement, and loss have left many Syrians suffering from trauma, depression, and anxiety. Access to mental health services in Syria is severely limited, and