NEW YORK: Efforts to heal Syria’s “deep divisions” will be long and arduous but the challenges ahead are “not insurmountable,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday as he marked the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime.

A surprise offensive by a coalition of rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied militias rapidly swept through regime-held areas in late November 2024. Within days, they seized key cities and ultimately captured the capital Damascus.

On Dec. 8 last year, as regime defenses collapsed almost overnight, then-President Bashar Assad fled the Syrian Arab Republic, ending more than 50 years of brutal rule by his family.

“Today marks one year since the fall of the Assad government and the end of a decades-old system of repression,” Guterres said, praising the “resilience and courage” of Syrians “who never stopped nurturing hope despite enduring unimaginable hardship.”

He added that the anniversary was both a moment of reflection on the sacrifices made in pursuit of “historic change,” and a reminder of the difficult path ahead for the country.

“What lies ahead is far more than a political transition; it is the chance to rebuild shattered communities and heal deep divisions,” he said, adding that the transition offers an opportunity to “forge a nation where every Syrian — regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or political affiliation — can live securely, equally, and with dignity.”

Guterres stressed that the UN will continue supporting Syrians as they shape new political and civic institutions.

“The challenges are significant, but not insurmountable,” he said. “The past year has shown that meaningful change is possible when Syrians are empowered and supported in driving their own transition.”

He added that communities across the country are building new governance structures, and that “Syrian women continue to lead the charge for their rights, justice, and equality.”

Though humanitarian needs remain “immense,” he pointed to progress in restoring services, widening aid access, and creating conditions for the return of refugees and displaced people.

Transitional justice efforts are under way, he added, alongside broader civic engagement. Guterres urged governments to stand firmly behind a “Syrian-led, Syrian-owned transition,” saying support must include respect for sovereignty, removal of barriers to reconstruction, and robust funding for humanitarian and economic recovery.

“On this anniversary, we stand united in purpose — to build a foundation of peace and prosperity and renew our pledge to a free, sovereign, united, and inclusive Syria,” he added.