A United Nations representative cautioned on Monday that initiatives aimed at healing divisions and stabilizing southern Syria have halted nearly a year after deadly sectarian clashes in a Druze-majority province unsettled the nation.

A UN inquiry completed in March determined that more than 1,700 individuals, mostly civilian Druze along with some Bedouin community members, lost their lives in Sweida province during July 2025. The report indicated Syrian government forces, tribal fighters and Druze armed groups may have carried out war crimes.

A government-led plan with international backing, introduced in September 2025, sought to restore order and mend relations among Druze factions, Bedouins and state authorities.

UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone informed the Security Council on Monday that no advancement has taken place in carrying out the September 2025 roadmap for confidence-building and reintegration in Sweida.

Cordone explained that fundamental problems stay unresolved while some Druze calls for provincial secession threaten Syria's unity and territorial integrity. Although Druze constitute the overwhelming majority in Sweida, they form a minority nationwide.

Abductions, retaliatory abductions and rivalries among Druze factions continue to weaken security in the province, he noted.

The envoy reported that 13,500 students in Sweida could not take national examinations this month after UN-supported mediation failed to settle disputes over venue and security. Most students in the province have now missed exams for two straight years, according to the UN.

The comments underline the difficulties facing Syria's transitional authorities in Sweida, a political and security flashpoint since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

Syrian officials claim Druze armed groups blocked advancement

Syrian officials including Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakour, an appointee of the Damascus government, maintain that Druze armed groups have blocked progress. He told Qatari-owned Syria TV in April that these factions obstructed efforts to revive state institutions, improve services and rebuild trust. Bakour said the government has continued funding public salaries, supporting healthcare and education and restoring infrastructure in Sweida despite security challenges. He added that Damascus remains committed to dialogue and rejected Druze factions' claims that the central government has restricted food and other supplies to the province.

Druze leaders, who lack a unified voice, have countered that they are protecting their community after last year's violence and accused Damascus of damaging trust through its conduct during the clashes.

Cordone also raised concerns about the country's political transition, noting Syria's transitional parliament has not been formed more than eight months after elections. President Ahmed al-Sharaa must still appoint a third of its members.

The delay is generating anxiety, Cordone told the Security Council.

Syria's Ministry of Information did not immediately respond to a request for comment.