Syria could be success story of rebuilding under aid: UN humanitarian chief

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said Wednesday that Syria could be a success story for the world contingent on international support.



Briefing the Security Council on the situation in Syria, Fletcher said he was in a position to share a more positive trajectory.



During his visit to Syria last month, he saw progress: millions of people returning home, markets growing, and more lights coming back on, said Fletcher.



But he cautioned that Syria faces three major risks: the spillover effect of conflict across the region, enormous humanitarian needs in the country, and a lack of funding for humanitarian relief.



"The world needs a success story right now. Syria could be that story -- but only if this (Security) Council helps us overcome the three risks I have outlined: through sustained diplomatic engagement, immediate humanitarian support, and long-term investment in the future," said Fletcher.