On December 19, 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the ongoing situation in Syria, emphasizing the need for a transition that is inclusive and led by the Syrian people. This statement comes in the wake of a recent rebel offensive that has led to significant turmoil in the region.
Guterres criticized the over 400 Israeli airstrikes targeting military infrastructure in Syria, labeling them as violations of Syrian sovereignty. He called for an immediate cessation of all acts of aggression and reaffirmed the necessity of restoring Syria's territorial integrity.
The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of considering all ethnic and religious communities in the transition process, ensuring that the rights of women and girls are respected. He acknowledged the delicate nature of the transition, citing the ongoing clashes in northern Syria, particularly between Kurdish rebel groups and those backed by Turkey.
In addition to addressing the conflict, Guterres pointed out that Syria remains one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with countless deaths, disappearances, and displacements resulting from over a decade of civil war. To aid in the search for missing persons, he announced the appointment of Karla Quintana from Mexico to lead the newly established independent institution focused on this issue, created by the UN General Assembly last year.