Syria’s permanent representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uncovering the fate of missing and forcibly disappeared persons and advancing transitional justice efforts. Speaking during a UN Security Council session on Syria, Olabi said revealing the truth and achieving justice remain national priorities as the country seeks to rebuild.
Olabi referenced the case of Dr. Rania al-Abbasi and her family following the National Commission for Missing Persons’ announcement of findings indicating her children were killed. He described the case as one of nearly 200,000 tragedies carried by Syrians and stressed that resolving uncertainty does not end the responsibility to establish the full truth and ensure accountability.
Security Cooperation and Regional Challenges
Olabi said Syria has become an active partner in efforts to combat terrorism and cross-border crime. He noted the country’s accession to the Group of Friends for Combating Trafficking in Persons and highlighted its removal from the US list of countries not cooperating on counterterrorism efforts. He added that Syria plans to participate with a high-level delegation during Counter-Terrorism Week as part of broader international cooperation on shared security concerns.
Addressing Israeli violations, Olabi said statements by Israeli officials rejecting withdrawal from areas entered after Syria’s liberation demonstrate, in his view, a major obstacle to stability. He also cited what he described as continued violations of international law and Security Council resolutions.
Olabi welcomed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending conflict and establishing peace in the region. He reiterated Syria’s support for Lebanon, its institutions and efforts to strengthen regional stability.
Progress on Reform and Economic Recovery
According to Olabi, Syrian authorities continue implementing transitional justice measures. He said approximately 6,000 individuals associated with the former regime, including dozens of senior officers, have been detained. He called on the international community and UN agencies to support these efforts to promote justice and preserve civil peace.
Olabi also said Syria is moving forward with measures intended to strengthen equal citizenship, including completing the collection of naturalization applications from Syrian Kurds covered by Decree No. 13. He emphasized the importance of protecting national unity from attempts to fuel division.
On the economic front, Olabi highlighted the first National Private Sector Dialogue Conference, held in cooperation with the UNDP and Japan. He also pointed to renewed tourism activity, major tourism projects and investment partnerships with international, regional and Gulf companies. He said overcoming the legacy of sanctions and integrating Syria’s financial sector into the international system remain significant challenges.
Refugee Returns and Ongoing Security Efforts
Olabi said the government continues working to create conditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons, noting that over 3.5 million Syrians returned. He called for continued international support, particularly for landmine clearance and the removal of war remnants.
He also said Syria remains engaged in efforts against ISIS, arms smuggling, drug trafficking and other forms of cross-border crime. In addition, he cited the challenge posed by the Assad regime’s chemical weapons program and emphasized the need for stronger international partnerships to support Syria’s capabilities in addressing these issues.
Concluding his remarks, Olabi said Syrians remain focused on rebuilding their country despite the difficulties ahead and expressed hope for continued international cooperation to support security, stability and reconstruction.
