(101)Combating Extremism and Restoring Governance in Syria
Topic Intro
The Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011, has evolved into one of the most complex civil wars in the Middle East. The recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime by rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Shara, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, marks a significant turning point in Syria's history. The war-torn nation now embarks on the arduous journey of combating extremism and restoring governance.
Now in its fourteenth year, the conflict continues to deepen, with 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian aid. By 2025, an estimated 7.2 million Syrians will remain internally displaced, while 6.2 million refugees will be hosted in neighboring countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye.
Refugees also face severe challenges. Spontaneous returns to Syria are expected to continue. In 2024, UNHCR verified over 34,000 refugee returns, but the actual numbers are likely higher. The recent crisis in Lebanon triggered an influx of 320,000 Syrian refugees returning under dire conditions. Many may remain in Syria, seek to return to Lebanon, or migrate elsewhere. It is up for the Security Council to draft effective solutions for a peaceful transition and offer protection to the innocents.
(102)Combating Transnational Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Networks
Transnational organized crime and drug trafficking networks are a growing threat to global security, stability, and development. These criminal organizations exploit legal, economic, and governance gaps between nations to expand their illicit activities. The trafficking of drugs, firearms, and humans is intertwined with the laundering of vast sums of money through international financial systems.
The interconnected nature of modern economies and communication systems has further enabled these organizations to operate across borders with unprecedented ease, evading law enforcement and regulatory frameworks. The global drug trade, in particular, has devastating effects, fueling violence, corruption, and instability in affected regions. It undermines governance, exacerbates social inequality, and often leads to political unrest. Solutions must address both supply and demand, focusing on disrupting trafficking routes, strengthening judicial and law enforcement cooperation, and reducing the societal conditions that sustain the demand for illicit substances.