Syria: fragile ceasefire in Sweida “largely holding” in the middle of volatility

Declared on July 19, the ceasefire followed a heartbreaking wave sectarian clashes, Israeli air strikes and serious human rights violations.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Ambassadors in the Security advice Monday that the Recent climbing had “shaken” the already precarious transition of the country and underlined the need for “major courses” on security and political fronts.

“” Syrians are in shock after the appalling violence of Sweida – violence which should not have occurred and which also experienced an unacceptable foreign intervention,“Said Mr. Pedersen.

Climbing and fallout

The disorders began on July 12 when mutual abductions turned into armed conflict between the Druze groups and the Bedouin tribes, attracting the Syrian security forces.

Violence has invaded a spiral, with reports of extrajudicial execution, desecration of corpses and looting. Images have largely circulated on the social media fueled sectarian tensions and disinformation.

Although the fights have been widely appeased, Mr. Pedersen warned that the situation “remains tense and volatile”. Civilians have suffered the most, with hundreds of accounts of violations killed and widespread by state and non -state actors.

“I condemn the appalling violations against civilians and combatants in Sweida. I also condemn Israel’s intervention, “he said, referring to air strikes around Sweida and Damascus who have caused civilian victims and security forces.

The humanitarian crisis is worsening

Humanitarian needs increase sharply. Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs Coordination (Ochha),, describe Sweida like ” Holding on the edge of collapse.“”

“Recent violence in Sweida has moved around 175,000 people … A third of the governorate population, where two-thirds of people already needed help,” she told ambassadors.

Hospitals are exceeded and face serious shortages of electricity, supplies and staff. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed Five attacks against health care In Sweida, including the murder of two doctors, obstruction and targeting of ambulances

Vital infrastructure, including water systems, is seriously damaged and food, fuel and medicines remain rare. AID Access remains limited due to insecurity.

While three convoys of not supported aid reached Sweida with food, fuel and health supplies, Ms. Wosornu stressed the need for “sustained humanitarian access” and the protection of humanitarian workers and infrastructure.

Droughts and forest fires deepen suffering

Violence has coincided with devastating forest fires from Lattakia which have moved more than 1,100 people and destroys agricultural land.

The fires have been aggravated by “the worst drought conditions that Syria has seen in 36 years,” said Wosornu, with water tanks falling on historical stockings.

The United Nations agencies respond with drinking water, health services and food assistance.

Complete political reforms

The Pedersen Special Envoy stressed that sustainable peace in Syria depends on inclusive political reform, the transformation of the security sector and transitional justice.

“The state has a clear duty to act professionally and with discipline, even when attacked. He must take control of his forces and ensure visible responsibility, “he said.

A new popular assembly is expected in September, a key step in the transitional framework. Mr. Pedersen warned that the process is not inclusive, transparent and representative, this may deepen the distrust of the public.

The transition simply cannot fail

“” The Syrian political transition simply cannot fail,He said.

Ms. Wosornu echoes the call for international solidarity, urgent funding and a stopping hostilities. Only 12% of 3.2 billion dollars revised were filled.

“Our help is far from meeting needs,” she said, ” If Syria has to recover, such violence must stop.“”