The situation in Syria is rapidly shifting, with escalating violence threatening millions of civilians. Last Wednesday, opposition groups launched a military operation to retake towns that were captured by the Assad regime in 2020, supported by Iran and Russia. They made unprecedented advances into my city of Aleppo, and today in the major city Hama. It has spread hope that change is on its way but also uncertainty about how the area will be governed and fear of the reprisal that the regime immediately unleashed on the population.
Aleppo and Idlib are being bombarded by the regime and Russia and at least 100 civilians, including 36 children, have been killed according to the White Helmets first responders. For years I lived through brutal attacks like this on besieged East Aleppo. I was on the last bus leaving the siege in 2016, so I know the extremes that Assad will go to when clinging on to power. Before Syria slips into another tragedy, the UN Security Council must act to protect civilians and stop the regime and Russia’s escalating attacks.
We still dare to dream of a better Syria, where our rights and dignity are guaranteed, but the failure to secure a real political solution has led to what we are witnessing today. This is a decisive moment for Syria and the international community must seize it to restart Syria’s stalled UN-led political process. These days, I see both fear and hope on the faces of my friends in Syria. Hope that, perhaps this time, we may finally have the opportunity to ensure that from this decade of suffering, a new chapter emerges—one where the Syrian people and democracy take the stage.
That’s why it is more urgent than ever that the UN Security Council comes under pressure to end the regime’s bloodshed and to establish a clear timeline for political transition that leads to free elections. Will you join me in supporting these growing demands to protect civilians and secure democracy?
Photo: December 2, 2024: White Helmets aid civilians in Idlib after regime airstrikes hit Al-Jalaa Street
At this critical time world leaders must take decisive steps to protect and support civilians in Syria. While opposition groups have pledged to respect human rights, many fear discrimination and forced displacement, particularly ethnic Kurds and other minorities. The first step is to listen to the Syrian people’s demands and support Syria’s vibrant civil society, a key force resisting both authoritarianism and extremism. They will be critical to building a free and democratic future.
My hope is tinged with dread that even more communities will fall victim to retaliation by the regime and its Russian and Iranian allies, who are now deliberately striking the hospitals and residential areas. The White Helmets and other humanitarian groups are on the ground to support people under attack. However, they too are being targeted, in violation of international law, and need the UN to intervene to stop airstrikes and scale-up humanitarian aid routes that aren’t controlled by the regime.
We have the chance to end the regime’s impunity and to save lives, if together we can persuade world leaders to act now. In recent days, we have witnessed families reuniting after decades of forced separation. Political detainees who were long held captive by the regime have been embraced by their loved ones. These moments of hope remind me why our aspirations for Syria are still alive and must come through a sustainable political solution.
I hope to return soon to my Aleppo and finally see joy and hope on the faces of my friends and family and if you support me and the Syrian people today, I am sure that day will come soon.
With gratitude,
Afraa
Campaigner at The Syria Campaign