UN chief in Syria on "solidarity visit" as post-Assad recovery falters
Damascus, July 25
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Damascus on Saturday for his inaugural visit to Syria as head of the world body, appealing to the global community to bolster support for the nation nearly two years following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime.
The three-day official mission takes place against the backdrop of Syria's extensive efforts to rebuild after decades of devastating war, severe economic distress, and widespread infrastructure damage.
Emphasising that the United Nations remains committed to supporting Syria at a "pivotal moment", Guterres shared his arrival on social media.
In a post on X, he wrote, "I have just arrived in Damascus for a visit of solidarity."
In a subsequent message, he added, "I appeal to the international community to spare no effort to support the people of Syria as well."
The visit marks the first time a UN chief has visited the Syrian capital since 2009.
Syria continues to navigate a complex recovery following the civil war that erupted in March 2011, a crisis that claimed nearly 500,000 lives and inflicted tens of billions of dollars in structural destruction.
Following the termination of the five-decade Assad family rule in December 2024, when forces loyal to al-Sharaa entered Damascus, the country has struggled to mitigate the lingering effects of punitive Western sanctions.
While several restrictions imposed by European nations and the United States have been eased post-Assad, tangible economic recovery on the ground remains slow.
Concurrently, severe reductions in global humanitarian assistance have compounded daily hardships across the country. According to UN estimates, approximately 90 per cent of Syrians currently live in poverty.
A World Bank assessment issued last year estimated that long-term post-war reconstruction costs for the nation will stand at roughly USD 216 billion.
The Secretary-General's presence in Damascus underscores the monumental hurdles facing the country as it addresses widespread poverty, infrastructural damage, and persistent security volatility along its border with Israel.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Solidarity visit" sounds noble, but what about the sanctions? Western nations eased some but the damage is done. Syria's people are suffering while global powers play politics. India should push for a neutral, UN-led reconstruction fund. 🇮🇳
As someone from the West, I feel our countries' sanctions regime was ill-conceived. Hindsight is 20/20—punishing the regime only hurt civilians. The UN must lead, but let's be real: without major funding from Gulf states and China, recovery is a fantasy.
I hope Guterres also raises the issue of Israeli border tensions. Syria's sovereignty is fragile—this visit should focus on lasting peace, not just photo ops. India has good relations with both sides; we could mediate. 🙏
I'm skeptical. The UN has let down Syria for years. This visit feels like a last-ditch PR move. The real work needs to happen on the ground—rebuilding hospitals, schools, and livelihoods. India's own experience with disaster recovery could be a model.
It's hard to watch Syria suffer. $216 billion is staggering, and humanitarian aid cuts are criminal. I hope Guterres can convince donor nations to step up. As a global community, we owe it to the Syrian people. 🌍
V