UN Session on Syria. International support for stability and assertion of sovereignty
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held closed-door consultations in New York on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to discuss the situation in Syria and the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, amid UN calls to support Syrian institutions and promote stability, as well as warnings of the repercussions of regional developments.
In its intervention during the session, the Syrian delegation presented its vision to address the existing challenges, stressing that the restoration of stability in the country passes through supporting state institutions and enhancing their ability to provide services, in addition to respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and stopping all violations that affect it.
The delegation stressed that Damascus is continuing to implement legislative and administrative reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and societal justice, and expanding the path of economic recovery, stressing that any effective international approach must include lifting the coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people because of their direct effects on the economy and livelihoods.
The delegation reiterated Syria's commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening regional security, and working with international partners to reintegrate the country into its economic and political environment in the service of stability and development.
UN Positions in Support of Stability
During the consultations, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone said that addressing the challenges in the country requires supporting institutions and promoting societal peace, in addition to integrating Syria into the international financial, economic and political system, noting that the United Nations is working to achieve this, according to SANA.
Cordone criticized the continued Israeli violations, stressing that they violate UN resolutions, especially through near-daily incursions, calling on Israel to abide by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and respect Syria's sovereignty.
The UN official welcomed the Syrian government's efforts to reduce poverty and enhance transparency, in addition to issuing legislation aimed at promoting justice and societal trust, praising the counter-terrorism efforts carried out by the Syrian forces in cooperation with the international coalition, stressing the importance of continuous work to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria and address their effects on the economy and society.
Humanitarian Warnings and Additional Support
For his part, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stressed the importance of Syrians returning to their homes in a safe and stable environment that guarantees their dignity and rights. He pointed out that the recent floods in Syria have caused damage to some vital crops and power plants, pointing out that an additional $146 million has been allocated to support life-saving humanitarian projects.
Fletcher warned of the dangers of unexploded remnants of war, which have killed more than 50 people and injured more than 100 since mid-March, stressing the importance of reforming UN mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of the response. The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Fraser, said the UN supports the Syrian government's efforts to combat child recruitment, stressing the importance of clearing mines and remnants of war.
Intersecting International Positions on Sovereignty and Stability
In the same context, the US representative considered that Syria is in a different position than it was a year and a half ago, noting that the Syrian government has become a partner in the fight against terrorism, and called on the United Nations to support it. She added that Damascus is working in cooperation with Lebanon to protect the borders, prevent illegal trade, including the smuggling of drugs and weapons, and maintain stability during periods of regional tension, and praised the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF.
The Russian delegate said that the Syrian state continues to follow an approach aimed at unifying the country and promoting stability, condemning the ongoing Israeli violations. He affirmed his country's support for the process of restoring state institutions east of the Euphrates, noting the progress of dialogue between Damascus and the SDF. He also welcomed the launch of the 2026 humanitarian needs plan in coordination with the Syrian government.
Denmark, Somalia, Latvia, Colombia, Pakistan, France, Greece, Panama, the United Kingdom, China, and Bahrain continued to support Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the need to support economic recovery and basic services, stop Israeli violations, and strengthen humanitarian efforts.
Syria's reading of the results of the consultations
At the end of the consultations, Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Alabi, said that the interventions of the countries reflected an acknowledgment of the state of stability in the country despite regional challenges, considering that this is the result of a political will aimed at turning Syria into a center for development and stability.
He stressed that his country stands by Bahrain in the face of the attacks that targeted it, stressing the continuation of the path of transitional justice and accountability of those involved, in addition to pursuing terrorist cells, strengthening the sovereignty of the state over its entire territory and preventing their use of any external attacks.
Alabi condemned Israel's ongoing violations in the occupied Syrian Golan, calling on the international community to put an end to these aggressive policies to promote Syria's stability, which is "an essential element of regional stability.
He announced the continuation of preparations for the holding of the People's Assembly elections in Al-Hasakah province, noting that Syria is moving forward on the path of development and stability, and called for increased humanitarian and development funding to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.