UN Urges Global Support for Syrian Recovery Amid Rising Costs
Despite a historic wave of voluntary returns, humanitarian leaders warn that economic pressures and security risks threaten to reverse progress in Syria.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called on the Security Council to prioritize sustained support for Syria’s recovery efforts. According to Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, the country is experiencing its largest voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons in decades. Since December 2024, more than two million internally displaced Syrians and 1.8 million refugees have returned to their homes, a development described as a profound sign of hope for the region.
However, the humanitarian chief cautioned that this progress remains fragile. While improved security conditions and eased sanctions have driven the recent recovery, significant challenges persist. OCHA reports that through over 300 partner organizations, more than 2.5 million people are reached monthly with essential aid, including the reopening of key routes into Al-Hassakeh and the resumption of flights to Deir ez Zour. Yet, the agency warns that without continued investment in infrastructure and services, today’s returnees risk becoming tomorrow’s displaced.
Economic pressures strain household resilience
Regional escalation is compounding the difficulties faced by Syrian families. According to UN data, disruptions in critical maritime choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab have led to significant increases in fuel prices and freight charges. Diesel costs rose by 40 percent in a single week, directly impacting agricultural production, water pumping, and electricity generation. These rising costs are expected to hit vulnerable households hardest as winter approaches, reducing access to essential goods and services.
The financial burden extends beyond basic utilities. The cost of the Minimum Expenditure Basket, a benchmark for essential living costs, has increased by 33 percent since June 2025. In some areas, electricity tariffs have risen by several hundred percent. These economic shifts not only affect the general population but also drive up the cost of the humanitarian response itself, straining the capacity of aid organizations to deliver timely support to those in need.
Security and safety remain critical
Localized insecurity and the presence of explosive ordnance continue to pose severe threats to stability. Reports indicate that attacks by ISIS affiliates in the east and northeast, along with sporadic violence, hinder the consolidation of peace. Furthermore, the danger of landmines has resulted in significant casualties, with 880 people killed and over 1,600 injured since late 2024, including a substantial number of children. These hazards block access to agricultural land and grazing areas, undermining the economic base necessary for long-term recovery.
The UN emphasizes that true stability requires the full integration of all communities, particularly women, into the political and economic fabric of the nation. The agency supports the Syrian government’s initiatives to clear mines and dismantle camps, aiming to create safe conditions for voluntary return. Yet, the humanitarian chief stressed that these efforts must be backed by international cooperation to prevent setbacks and ensure that the recovery is inclusive and sustainable.
International cooperation is essential
In his briefing to the Security Council, Fletcher outlined three key requests for the international community. He urged member states to maintain and expand humanitarian access, support the government’s efforts to resolve displacement issues, and address the root causes of economic instability. The UN position, as reported by GN geopolitics/un, is that Syria’s transition from crisis to recovery depends on a coordinated global response that balances immediate aid with long-term structural support.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on whether international partners can sustain their commitments amidst competing regional priorities. The success of Syria’s rebuilding efforts will likely hinge on the ability to mitigate the impact of regional conflicts on local economies and to ensure that safety measures are effectively implemented across the country. Continued monitoring of economic indicators and security developments will be crucial in assessing the durability of the current recovery phase.
