US urges international community to support Syria's transition, reconstruction

HAMILTON, Canada

The US on Wednesday urged the international community to support Syria's transition, calling on nations to contribute to its reconstruction.

"Over the past 15 months, we have witnessed the most significant transformations in Syria in decades: the collapse of the Assad regime, the emergence of a new government, and unprecedented diplomatic breakthroughs," said US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack at a UN Security Council session on Syria.

Highlighting a major humanitarian milestone as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, he said, "Well over 2 million refugees and internally displaced have now returned home, where they can contribute to the rebuilding of their country," noting that families would celebrate the Eid holiday "with loved ones inside Syria" for the first time in years.

Barrack pointed to recent sanctions relief, including the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2799 and lifting the designation on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham last month, as measures that have "unlocked opportunities for Syrians not only to survive, but to actually thrive."

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was one of the most prominent armed groups opposing Bashar al-Assad's forces during Syria's civil war, led by Ahmad al-Shara, Syria's president in the wake of Assad's ouster.

Adopted in November 2025, Security Council Resolution 2799 calls for "the full sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria."

He urged Council members and all nations "to support the Syrian government during its transition. This includes enhancing Syria’s counterterrorism capabilities, contributing to its reconstruction, and repatriating third-country nationals from displaced persons camps and detention facilities."

"The United States is proud of what the Syrian people and their government have achieved since Dec. 8, 2024," Barrack said, pledging continued partnership to help Syria become "a beacon of stability abroad, and as an exemplar of peace, unity, and tolerance at home."

The US holds the rotating chairmanship of the Security Council for the month of March.