Guterres hails Syria’s caretaker government for aid access and civilian protection

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday praised Syria’s newly formed government for its efforts to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance, marking a significant shift in the war-torn country’s leadership following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

“I welcome the Caretaker Government’s commitment to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers. I also welcome their agreement to grant full humanitarian access through all border crossings; cut through bureaucracy over permits and visas for humanitarian workers,” Guterres said in a statement.

The remarks came days after UN relief chief Tom Fletcher visited Damascus, where he held talks with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the head of Syria’s new administration, and Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir. Fletcher’s trip underscored the international community’s cautious engagement with the emerging leadership in Syria.

The anti-regime group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Sharaa, has consolidated power after ousting Assad on Dec. 8. Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia as anti-regime forces seized control of Damascus, ending the decades-long Baath Party regime that began in 1963.

Guterres expressed optimism about the new government’s early commitments. He highlighted their pledge to maintain essential public services, including health and education, and to engage in “genuine and practical dialogue with the wider humanitarian community.”

“The Syrian people are seizing the opportunity to build a better future,” Guterres said, urging the international community to provide unified support for the nation’s recovery.

The developments mark a turning point in Syria’s tumultuous history, as international actors assess the viability of the HTS-led administration and its ability to stabilize the country after years of conflict.