UN Security Council Condemns Violence Against Civilians in Syria’s Sweida and Calls for Ceasefire Compliance

International Voice – August 15, 2025

In a presidential statement, the United Nations Security Council strongly condemned the violence committed against civilians in Syria’s Sweida Governorate since July 12, including mass killings and loss of life, which resulted in the internal displacement of approximately 192,000 people.

The Council called on all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement and ensure the protection of the civilian population.

The 15-member Security Council unanimously adopted the presidential statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/2025/6, reaffirming the need to respect relevant human rights and international humanitarian law provisions.

The Council also emphasized specific obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and protect all medical and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, as well as their means of transportation and equipment, in addition to hospitals and medical facilities.

The Security Council urged all parties to ensure full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access for the United Nations, its implementing partners and other humanitarian organizations to all affected communities in Sweida and throughout Syria.

It renewed its call on the interim authorities to protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, stressing that there can be no genuine recovery in Syria without real safety and protection for all Syrians.

Recalling Resolution 2254 (2015), its presidential statement S/PRST/2025/4, and its press statement issued on December 17, 2024, the Council reaffirmed its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and called on all states to respect these principles.

The Council also emphasized the importance of the United Nations’ role in supporting Syria’s political transition and reiterated its support for the efforts of the Office of the UN Special Envoy in this regard.

It further stressed that the parties must respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including the principles governing the area of separation, as well as the mandate and role of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

The Security Council also welcomed the statement by Syria’s interim authorities condemning the violence and the measures taken to investigate it and hold those responsible accountable.