“The United Nations Expresses Deep Concern Over Developments in Al-Sumariyah Neighborhood, Damascus”

Damascus, September 1, 2025 – The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation in the Al-Sumariyah neighborhood of western Damascus, where reports persist of threats of forced eviction and serious human rights violations against innocent civilians, including women and children.

In an official statement, the UN spokesperson confirmed that the organization’s special envoy to Syria is closely monitoring the events, warning that these violations could undermine efforts to establish justice and the rule of law.

The crisis commenced in late August when an armed group stormed the neighborhood, conducting raids on residents’ homes, confiscating property documents, and arresting young men, while also intimidating residents and searching their phones. Some residents were coerced into recording videos pledging to vacate their homes within 72 hours, sparking fears of widespread sectarian displacement, particularly given the neighborhood’s informal settlements, which are claimed by landowners from nearby Al-Madamiya.

In response to the escalating situation, the majority of residents have evacuated their homes due to fear, and the neighborhood’s entrances have been closed with a curfew imposed.

The United Nations urges all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from hasty or violent actions, emphasizing the imperative to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian standards and to address housing issues with sensitivity to prevent further escalation of sectarian tensions in Syria.