June 2025

Syria’s search for missing persons is one of its most urgent humanitarian concerns. (IIMP Syria on UN News)

UN praises Syria’s moves to reveal the fate of missing persons and tackle human rights violations of previous regime

27 June 2025. Syria’s interim authorities have formed two national bodies to trace over 100,000 individuals who went missing under Assad and to address systemic abuse. UN Commission Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro observed that recent attacks, since March 2025, were “in part a response to five decades of systematic crimes…” He praised President al-Sharaa’s commitment to hold accountable all those responsible and to restore confidence in state institutions. Read more at: UN NEWS

Syria’s government applauds Dutch and Canadian efforts at ICJ to hold accountable perpetrators of torture under the former regime. (SANA)

Torture and related crimes under Assad are pursued at the International Court of Justice

27 June 2025. On the UN Day for the Convention Against Torture, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed vigorous legal proceedings by the Netherlands and Canada, at the ICJ, targeting systematic torture and other crimes committed by the Assad regime. The Syrian government is committed to a victim-centered approach to uncovering the crimes. Its newly formed Transitional Justice Commission has guaranteed the non-recurrence of such transgressions against its citizens. Read more at: SANA

Reviving the electricity sector is crucial to improving Syrian life. (SANA)

World Bank injects millions to jumpstart Syria’s power grid and economic recovery

25 June 2025. The World Bank approved a $146 million grant to help establish reliable and affordable electricity and promote the nation’s economic recovery. The Syria Emergency Electricity Project will repair key transmission lines and substations, and support electricity sector development. The Bank’s Middle East director, Jean-Christophe Carret, called this the “first step in a planned increase in World Bank support to Syria on its path to recovery and development.”Read more at: SANA

Representatives from Syrian civil society meet in a “Damascus Spring” session on 25 April 2025. (Enab Baladi:Anas al-Khouli)

The new Syrian government welcomes the resurgence of civil society

24 June 2025. Since the fall of Assad, civil society in Syria has flourished. Renewed energy is empowering progress in fields of justice, education, health, and women’s rights. The new government embraces NGOs as essential partners in national renewal, registering over 600 hundred organizations since January. Advocates of the new relationship between society and state report growing trust, open dialogue, transparency, inclusivity and a shared commitment to building a unified Syria.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Members of the board of the US-Syria Business Council, Issam Ghreiwati and Abdul Hamid al-Akel. (US-Syria Business Council)

US-Syria Business Council seeks to build economic bridges and foster shared prosperity

24 June 2025. The newly established US-Syria Business Council aims to boost economic ties following the lifting of U.S. sanctions. It will serve as a gateway for US companies and banks to invest in Syria, and for Syrians living outside the country to contribute their business and technological expertise to key sectors such as agriculture, energy, tech, and infrastructure. A main goal is to increase the value of trade between Syria and the US. Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Syria’s Youth rise with hope and purpose in Deir Ezzor’s first Empowerment Conference. (Photo: SANA)

Youth Lead the Way: Conference sparks hope for Syria’s future

21 June 2025. Over 100 young Syrians gathered in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor for the inaugural youth conference, “Youth: Rise and Construction.” Governor Ghassan Sayyed Ahmad emphasized the vital role of youth in Syria’s post-war recovery, calling them a cornerstone of national rebuilding. Workshops addressed social, political, and economic issues; participants presented ideas to restore Syria after decades of conflict, repression, and widespread destruction.Read more at: SANA

Governor of Syria’s Central Bank welcomes the lifting of Swiss sanctions. (Photo: SANA)

Syria’s relations with Switzerland enter a new chapter

21 June 2025. Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Abdul Qader al-Hasriya, welcomed Switzerland’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it a key step in rebuilding bilateral financial and trade ties. Mentioning Syria’s historic cooperation with Swiss banks, he expressed hope for constructive collaboration that would bolster Syria’s national economy and advance shared interests. Read more at: SANA

UN’s Najat Rochdi hails Syria’s move to hold parliamentary elections in briefing to Security Council. (UN TV video still on SANA website)

UN welcomes Syria’s plans for People’s Assembly elections

18 June 2025. Syria’s formation of a Supreme Electoral Committee—announced by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—was welcomed by UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi who called it “the next vital step in the political transition.” She and other UN officials called for international support of the new government, coping with vast humanitarian and other challenges in this fragile but pivotal phase of recovery. Read more at: SANA

France’s UN ambassador calls for cooperative global efforts to safeguard Syria’s progress. (Photo: SANA)

France urges immediate, coordinated global action to support Syria’s transition

18 June 2025. Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called for urgent global action to safeguard Syria’s fragile transition and to “offer the country a chance to become a hub of regional stability.” In a June 12th statement to the UN’s General Assembly, he wrote: “France stands alongside the Syrian people to ensure that the immense hopes raised since December 2024 are not disappointed.” Read more at: SANA

Jordan’s Foreign Minister, in Berlin, urges joint international efforts to aid Syria. (Photo: SANA)

Jordan calls for cooperative efforts of all countries to help rebuild Syria

18 June 2025. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, speaking in Berlin alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, emphasized the need for global cooperation to support Syria’s reconstruction and safeguard its sovereignty and citizens’ rights. He praised Syria’s efforts toward rebuilding a free, independent nation and welcomed the Syrian-German agreement to form an economic cooperation council, calling it a vital step in improving the lives of Syrians after years of conflict.Read more at: SANA

Italy and Syria discuss areas of cooperation in internet communications technology. (Photo: SANA)

“Silk Link” project aims to transform Syria into a regional and international internet hub

18 June 2025. Syria’s Minister of Communications, Abdul Salam Haykal, and Italy’s ambassador to Syria, Stefano Ravagnan, discussed an alliance to develop Syria’s digital infrastructure. Minister Haykal unveiled the nation’s bold plans to create an internet hub and its goal of connecting 85% of the country, via fiber optics, within two years. Italy’s ambassador welcomed renewed relations with Syria and expressed the interest of Italian firms in supporting Syria’s ICT sector.Read more at: SANA

For Hassan Ali al-Mikdad, his damaged home in Syria holds more meaning than life in an asylum country, it carries memories of revolution and triumph (Photo: SANA)

A homecoming of hope: Syrian families return to Busra al-Sham, Daraa, after years in exile

13 June 2025. After 12 years in Jordan’s Zaatari camp, Syrian refugees have returned to their hometown of Busra al-Sham in Daraa. The extent of the devastation they encountered was far greater than what they expected to find, yet some have managed to rebuild parts of their homes. One man said the joy of being in his home outweighs the hardships, as it stirs memories of the revolution and the victory. Since the fall of Assad, over a half million Syrians are estimated to have returned as of mid-May.Read more at: SANA

Hind Kabawat (centre), Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, joins the Syrian delegation at the Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum (Photo: SANA)

Syria reaffirms commitment to social justice at global forum in Geneva

12 June 2025. A Syrian delegation led by Hind Kabawat, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, participates in the Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum, held alongside the 113th International Labor Conference in Geneva. The Ministry affirms that Syria’s presence highlights its ongoing commitment to social justice, international cooperation, and sustainable development. The delegation focuses on protecting vulnerable groups and promoting labor rights and workplace fairness.Read more at: SANA

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, in his Los Angeles office on December 10, 2015 (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo)

Faith meets diplomacy: interfaith visit to Syria sparks dialogue on peace prospects

11 June 2025. Reverend Johnnie Moore and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, long-time advocates of interfaith dialogue in Arab nations, visited Syria to promote peace efforts and held talks with Syria’s president, Ahmad al-Sharra, who is Muslim. Speaking to Reuters after the trip, Moore expresses optimism about future peace, stating it is “very possible, if not probable,” adding that Syria must prioritize internal stability before broader regional progress can take place.Read more at: REUTERS Subscription needed to read whole article.

US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, describes President Ahmad al-Sharaa as ‘a pivotal figure in the rebuilding of Syria’ (Photo: SANA)

US diplomat underscores power of hope in the face of harsh reality

11 June 2025. Ambassador Barrack praises Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his leadership of Syria’s reconstruction, saying the government is handling the situation “in the best way possible.” He stated that by lifting sanctions, the US hopes to remove obstacles to Syria’s economic recovery and that it seeks transparency, not control. “A drop of hope may be more powerful than a tank full of a bad reality,” the ambassador said.Read more at: SANA

A guard examines a 1,500-year-old Byzantine engraved stone unearthed during post-war reconstruction in Maarat al-Numan, Syria, May 30. (© Omar Albam, AP)

Ancient Byzantine tomb found beneath war-ravaged Syrian home

10 June 2025. As residents return to rebuild after years of conflict, a 1,500-year-old Byzantine tomb, marked by Christian symbols and artifacts, was uncovered beneath a war-damaged home in Maarat al-Numan, northern Syria. The archaeological discovery highlights the rich and complex heritage of Idlib province. With over 800 sites, including an ancient city, it holds a third of Syria’s monuments.Read more at: FRANCE 24

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks in Vienna on June 18, 2025, describing recent joint efforts with Syria as “a new beginning” in bilateral cooperation. (Photo: SANA)

Syria and the International Atomic Energy Agency forge a new chapter in nuclear and humanitarian cooperation

9 June 2025. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announces that recent developments between Syria and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mark a “new beginning” in their cooperation. Speaking at the Agency’s Governors’ Council in Vienna, he calls Syria’s decision to grant full and unrestricted access to nuclear sites “an important step towards enhancing transparency and building mutual trust.” He also confirms the signing of agreements under the “Atoms for Food” and “Hope Radiation” initiatives, which aim to enhance humanitarian and technical support in areas such as agriculture, nutrition, and cancer care.Read more at: SANA

EU commissioner Dubravka Suica speaks to the media at the 9th Brussels conference, “Standing with Syria,” in Belgium on 17 March 2025. (Reuters on Alarabiya English website 5 June 2025)

“I came here with a clear message that we are here to assist and help Syria on its recovery”

7 June 2025. European Commissioner Dubravka Suica announced a €175 million EU recovery package for Syria, aimed at rebuilding key sectors like energy, education, health, and agriculture. Speaking in Damascus, she emphasized that reconstruction must be Syria-led and support economic stability, institutions, and human rights. She called the initiative a “new chapter” in EU–Syria relations.Read more at: ALARABIYA ENGLISH

The Governor of Daraa commends President Al-Sharaa’s visit, appreciating his dedication to direct engagement with the people. (SANA website 6 June 2025)

Al Sharaa visits Daraa, cradle of the Syrian revolution

6 June 2025. Governor Taha Al-Zoubi described the visit as a significant milestone on the path to national recovery and praised the president’s efforts to improve economic and living conditions. Al-Zoubi, governor of the province where Syria’s 2011 uprising against tyranny began, stated: “Daraa, which was the first to call for dignity and freedom, renews its commitment to working and cooperating to build the Syria of the future—a just and strong Syria.” While visiting the largely Sunni area, the president met with a delegation of Christian clergy.Read more at: Sana

A wide view of the Security Council meeting on chemical weapons in Syria. (UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe on UN website 7 March 2025)

UN disarmament chief praises Syria’s cooperation as chemical weapons inspections move forward, amid ongoing concerns

5 June 2025. Addressing the Security Council, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, commended the commitment of the new Syrian authorities “to fully and transparently cooperate” with UN inspections. She also noted many unresolved issues remaining from the Assad regime’s stockpiling of chemical weapons and urged additional UN support to help rid the country of chemical weapons.Read more at: UN News

President Al Sharaa to make landmark visit to New York this September. (Getty on The New Arab website 3 June 2025)

Syrian President expected to address the UN and meet with US officials in September

4 June 2025. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is set to visit the US in September, delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly—the first by a Syrian leader in six decades. He will also hold discussions with US officials. A State Department spokesman said the US intends to “begin a new era” in its relations with Syria. Read more at: The Syrian Observer

US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak meets with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Istanbul, 14 May 2025. (Reem Abdulhameed /MHD Ibrahim on SANA website 24 May)

A pivotal shift in US engagement with Syria

3 June 2025. US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, announced the closing of most US military bases in Syria as well as Washington’s ongoing commitment to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the independent Kurdish-led military coalition in northeast Syria that has been allied with the US against IS. However, Barak stated the US would advocate for the SDF’s integration into Syria’s new national army. Read more at: The Syrian Observer

New Face of Syria