Road map to end the crisis in Suwayda and stabilize southern Syria
- Country/entity
-
Syria
- Region
-
Middle East and North Africa
- Agreement name
- Road map to end the crisis in Suwayda and stabilize southern Syria
- Date
- 16 Sep 2025
- Agreement status
- Multiparty signed/agreed
- Interim arrangement
- Yes
- Agreement/conflict level
- Intrastate/local conflict
- Stage
- Framework/substantive - partial
- Conflict nature
- Government/territory
- Peace process
- Syrian Local Agreements
- Parties
-
Asaad al-Shaibani (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Syrian Arab Republic)
Ayman Safadi (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan)
Thomas J. Barrack Jr. (Ambassador, Special Envoy for Syria, United States of America) - Third parties
- -
- Description
- This trilateral agreement between Syria, Jordan, and the United States establishes a comprehensive roadmap to resolve the crisis in Suwayda governorate. The agreement outlines 13 steps including: UN investigation and accountability for violations; humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services; security arrangements with deployment of elite forces; removal of civilian fighters; prisoner exchanges; reconstruction of damaged villages; and promotion of national unity narratives.
- Agreement document
- SY_250916_Road map to end the crisis in Suwayda (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
- Source of document
https://docs.un.org/en/S/2025/586
Groups
- Children/youth
No specific mention.
- Disabled persons
No specific mention.
- Elderly/age
No specific mention.
- Migrant workers
No specific mention.
- Racial/ethnic/national group
- Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Anti-discriminationRoad map to the solution...It will accelerate efforts to contain and end hate speech that promotes division, violence, sectarianism and ethnic discrimination, including through enacting legislation that criminalizes hate speech.Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→SubstantiveRoad map to the solution...10. Jordan, in coordination with Syria, will invite a delegation from the local communities of Suwayda (Druze, Christians and Sunnis) and representatives from the Bedouin tribes of Suwayda to initially separate meetings to help achieve reconciliation.Jordan will then invite these communities to a meeting to achieve reconciliation.11. The United States and Jordan will work with the Syrian Government and the communities of Suwayda to agree on short- and medium-term security and administrative arrangements for a transitional period leading to the full reintegration of Suwayda into government institutions....The formation of a governorate council representing all communities of Suwayda.The council will interface with the Government and lead efforts to achieve long-term reconciliation.
- Religious groups
- Groups→Religious groups→SubstantiveRoad map to the solution...10. Jordan, in coordination with Syria, will invite a delegation from the local communities of Suwayda (Druze, Christians and Sunnis) and representatives from the Bedouin tribes of Suwayda to initially separate meetings to help achieve reconciliation.Jordan will then invite these communities to a meeting to achieve reconciliation.11. The United States and Jordan will work with the Syrian Government and the communities of Suwayda to agree on short- and medium-term security and administrative arrangements for a transitional period leading to the full reintegration of Suwayda into government institutions....The formation of a governorate council representing all communities of Suwayda.The council will interface with the Government and lead efforts to achieve long-term reconciliation.
- Indigenous people
No specific mention.
- Other groups
No specific mention.
- Refugees/displaced persons
- Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→RhetoricalRoad map to the solution...Necessary steps will be taken to allow residents of the villages of Suwayda that witnessed fighting during the tragic events to return to their villages.
- Social class
No specific mention.
Gender
- Women, girls and gender
No specific mention.
- Men and boys
No specific mention.
- LGBTI
No specific mention.
- Family
No specific mention.
State definition
- Nature of state (general)
- Suwayda is an integral part of Syria and has no future outside Syria....The deep trust deficit requires patient and sequenced approaches that begin with confidence-building measures and transitional solutions, leading to the full reintegration of the governorate into the State in a way that strengthens national unity.The United States and Jordan acknowledged the steps taken, and the commitments made by the Syrian Government in the aftermath of the Amman meetings, and welcomed the determination expressed by Asaad al-Shaibani, the Foreign Minister of Syria, to end the crisis through a solution that ensures the unity of Syria and the rights of the people of Suwayda as Syrian citizens.Road map to the solution...The discussion will be based on the fact that Suwayda is an integral part of Syria and must achieve reconciliation with the State....Ending the foreign interference in Suwayda and reiterating commitment to Suwayda remaining part of Syria....The United States, in consultation with Syria, will explore security understandings with Israel regarding southern Syria that address legitimate Syrian and Israeli security concerns, while reaffirming Syria's full sovereignty and territorial integrity....Syria, Jordan and the United States will establish mechanisms for monitoring implementation of the road map in full respect of Syrian sovereignty.
- State configuration
No specific mention.
- Self determination
No specific mention.
- Referendum
No specific mention.
- State symbols
No specific mention.
- Independence/secession
No specific mention.
- Accession/unification
No specific mention.
- Border delimitation
No specific mention.
- Cross-border provision
- Road map to the solution...The United States, in consultation with Syria, will explore security understandings with Israel regarding southern Syria that address legitimate Syrian and Israeli security concerns, while reaffirming Syria's full sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Governance
- Political institutions (new or reformed)
- Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General referencesThey will work in coordination with regional and global partners to advance an all-inclusive, Syrian-led political process that will rebuild Syrian institutions, ensure the representation of all Syrians, celebrate the diversity of Syrian society and guarantee equality under the law and on the basis of citizenship.The United States and Jordan will support the Syrian Government in overcoming the challenges facing this process, including in the areas of reconstruction, institution-building, combating terrorism and violent extremism, ending social strife and achieving national reconciliation.Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→New political institutions (indefinite)Road map to the solution...The formation of a governorate council representing all communities of Suwayda.The council will interface with the Government and lead efforts to achieve long-term reconciliation.
- Elections
No specific mention.
- Electoral commission
No specific mention.
- Political parties reform
No specific mention.
- Civil society
- They will work in coordination with regional and global partners to advance an all-inclusive, Syrian-led political process that will rebuild Syrian institutions, ensure the representation of all Syrians, celebrate the diversity of Syrian society and guarantee equality under the law and on the basis of citizenship....Road map to the solution...3. The Syrian Government, with the support of Jordan, the United States and relevant United Nations agencies, will ensure the continuation of delivery of sufficient humanitarian and medical supplies to Suwayda, including through cooperation with United Nations agencies and other countries....7. The three countries will support the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to expedite the completion of the exchange of prisoners and kidnapped people....The activation of all civilian administrative institutions in the governorate in cooperation with the local community and the relevant government entities.
- Traditional/religious leaders
No specific mention.
- Public administration
- Road map to the solution...11. The United States and Jordan will work with the Syrian Government and the communities of Suwayda to agree on short- and medium-term security and administrative arrangements for a transitional period leading to the full reintegration of Suwayda into government institutions....The activation of all civilian administrative institutions in the governorate in cooperation with the local community and the relevant government entities.
- Constitution
No specific mention.
Power sharing
- Political power sharing
No specific mention.
- Territorial power sharing
No specific mention.
- Economic power sharing
No specific mention.
- Military power sharing
- Power sharing→Military power sharing→ProportionalityRoad map to the solution...The formation of a local police force that includes all communities of Suwayda.The force will be under the leadership of an officer from Suwayda appointed by the Ministry of the Interior.The make-up of the force will be agreed through negotiations.
Human rights and equality
- Human rights/RoL general
- The United States and Jordan acknowledged the steps taken, and the commitments made by the Syrian Government in the aftermath of the Amman meetings, and welcomed the determination expressed by Asaad al-Shaibani, the Foreign Minister of Syria, to end the crisis through a solution that ensures the unity of Syria and the rights of the people of Suwayda as Syrian citizens.Road map to the solution...1. The Syrian Government will invite the United Nations Commission of Inquiry to carry out an investigation into the recent tragic events in Suwayda and will commit to holding all those who have allegedly committed violations accountable in accordance with Syrian law....9. The Syrian Government will intensify its leadership in disseminating a national narrative that celebrates unity, diversity and the equality of all Syrians and the rule of law.
- Bill of rights/similar
No specific mention.
- Treaty incorporation
No specific mention.
- Civil and political rights
- Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→EqualityThey will work in coordination with regional and global partners to advance an all-inclusive, Syrian-led political process that will rebuild Syrian institutions, ensure the representation of all Syrians, celebrate the diversity of Syrian society and guarantee equality under the law and on the basis of citizenship....The people of Suwayda are Syrian citizens with equal rights and obligations like all other Syrians....Road map to the solution...9. The Syrian Government will intensify its leadership in disseminating a national narrative that celebrates unity, diversity and the equality of all Syrians and the rule of law.Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of movementRoad map to the solution...5. The Syrian Government will deploy elite Ministry of the Interior forces along the Damascus-Suwayda highway to secure the free movement of civilians and commerce, with Jordan and the United States assisting in overcoming practical obstacles.
- Socio-economic rights
No specific mention.
Rights related issues
- Citizenship
- Rights related issues→Citizenship→Citizen delimitationThe people of Suwayda are Syrian citizens with equal rights and obligations like all other Syrians....The United States and Jordan acknowledged the steps taken, and the commitments made by the Syrian Government in the aftermath of the Amman meetings, and welcomed the determination expressed by Asaad al-Shaibani, the Foreign Minister of Syria, to end the crisis through a solution that ensures the unity of Syria and the rights of the people of Suwayda as Syrian citizens.
- Democracy
No specific mention.
- Detention procedures
No specific mention.
- Media and communication
- Rights related issues→Media and communication→Governance of mediaRoad map to the solution...It will accelerate efforts to contain and end hate speech that promotes division, violence, sectarianism and ethnic discrimination, including through enacting legislation that criminalizes hate speech.Rights related issues→Media and communication→OtherRoad map to the solution...9. The Syrian Government will intensify its leadership in disseminating a national narrative that celebrates unity, diversity and the equality of all Syrians and the rule of law.
- Mobility/access
- Road map to the solution...3. The Syrian Government, with the support of Jordan, the United States and relevant United Nations agencies, will ensure the continuation of delivery of sufficient humanitarian and medical supplies to Suwayda, including through cooperation with United Nations agencies and other countries....5. The Syrian Government will deploy elite Ministry of the Interior forces along the Damascus-Suwayda highway to secure the free movement of civilians and commerce, with Jordan and the United States assisting in overcoming practical obstacles....Facilitating access to all evidence, including bodies, witness testimonies and security cameras in areas that witnessed the fighting.
- Protection measures
- Rights related issues→Protection measures→OtherThe three countries will collectively support efforts aimed at rebuilding Syria on a basis that guarantees its security, stability, unity and sovereignty, while fulfilling the aspirations of all Syrians and preserving their rights.
- Other
No specific mention.
Rights institutions
- NHRI
No specific mention.
- Regional or international human rights institutions
- Rights institutions→Regional or international human rights institutions→Body taskedRoad map to the solution...7. The three countries will support the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to expedite the completion of the exchange of prisoners and kidnapped people.
Justice sector reform
- Criminal justice and emergency law
- Justice sector reform→Criminal justice and emergency law→Criminal Justice System reformRoad map to the solution...It will accelerate efforts to contain and end hate speech that promotes division, violence, sectarianism and ethnic discrimination, including through enacting legislation that criminalizes hate speech.
- State of emergency provisions
No specific mention.
- Judiciary and courts
No specific mention.
- Prisons and detention
No specific mention.
- Traditional Laws
No specific mention.
Socio-economic reconstruction
- Development or socio-economic reconstruction
- Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistanceRoad map to the solution...The administration of aid to the governorate in cooperation with the Government.Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Infrastructure and reconstructionThe United States and Jordan will support the Syrian Government in overcoming the challenges facing this process, including in the areas of reconstruction, institution-building, combating terrorism and violent extremism, ending social strife and achieving national reconciliation....Road map to the solution...4. The Syrian Government will continue its efforts to restore all essential services to the governorate and, with support from Jordan and the United States, ensure that sufficient funding from international donors is available....8. The Syrian Government will announce its plans for the reconstruction of damaged villages and properties, with Jordan and the United States facilitating the necessary support.
- National economic plan
No specific mention.
- Natural resources
No specific mention.
- International funds
- Road map to the solution...4. The Syrian Government will continue its efforts to restore all essential services to the governorate and, with support from Jordan and the United States, ensure that sufficient funding from international donors is available.
- Business
- Road map to the solution...5. The Syrian Government will deploy elite Ministry of the Interior forces along the Damascus-Suwayda highway to secure the free movement of civilians and commerce, with Jordan and the United States assisting in overcoming practical obstacles.
- Taxation
No specific mention.
- Banks
No specific mention.
Land, property and environment
- Land reform/rights
- Land, property and environment→Land reform/rights→Property return and restitutionRoad map to the solution...8. The Syrian Government will announce its plans for the reconstruction of damaged villages and properties, with Jordan and the United States facilitating the necessary support.
- Pastoralist/nomadism rights
No specific mention.
- Cultural heritage
No specific mention.
- Environment
No specific mention.
- Water or riparian rights or access
No specific mention.
Security sector
- Security Guarantees
- Road map to the solution...It will accelerate efforts to contain and end hate speech that promotes division, violence, sectarianism and ethnic discrimination, including through enacting legislation that criminalizes hate speech....11. The United States and Jordan will work with the Syrian Government and the communities of Suwayda to agree on short- and medium-term security and administrative arrangements for a transitional period leading to the full reintegration of Suwayda into government institutions....The United States, in consultation with Syria, will explore security understandings with Israel regarding southern Syria that address legitimate Syrian and Israeli security concerns, while reaffirming Syria's full sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Ceasefire
No specific mention.
- Police
- Road map to the solution...6. The Syrian Government will remove all civilian fighters from the administrative borders of Suwayda and deploy elite police forces per the Amman agreement....The formation of a local police force that includes all communities of Suwayda.The force will be under the leadership of an officer from Suwayda appointed by the Ministry of the Interior.The make-up of the force will be agreed through negotiations.
- Armed forces
- Road map to the solution...5. The Syrian Government will deploy elite Ministry of the Interior forces along the Damascus-Suwayda highway to secure the free movement of civilians and commerce, with Jordan and the United States assisting in overcoming practical obstacles.
- DDR
- Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisionsRoad map to the solution...6. The Syrian Government will remove all civilian fighters from the administrative borders of Suwayda and deploy elite police forces per the Amman agreement.
- Intelligence services
No specific mention.
- Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces
No specific mention.
- Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
- Corruption
No specific mention.
- Crime/organised crime
No specific mention.
- Drugs
No specific mention.
- Terrorism
- The United States and Jordan will support the Syrian Government in overcoming the challenges facing this process, including in the areas of reconstruction, institution-building, combating terrorism and violent extremism, ending social strife and achieving national reconciliation.
Transitional justice
- Transitional justice general
- Road map to the solution...Facilitating access to all evidence, including bodies, witness testimonies and security cameras in areas that witnessed the fighting.
- Amnesty/pardon
No specific mention.
- Courts
- Transitional justice→Courts→National courtsRoad map to the solution...1. The Syrian Government will invite the United Nations Commission of Inquiry to carry out an investigation into the recent tragic events in Suwayda and will commit to holding all those who have allegedly committed violations accountable in accordance with Syrian law.2. The Syrian Government will take immediate legal action against any and all individuals against whom there is sufficient evidence for indictment on charges of committing violations and who were part of atrocities against civilians and their properties.
- Mechanism
- Road map to the solution...1. The Syrian Government will invite the United Nations Commission of Inquiry to carry out an investigation into the recent tragic events in Suwayda and will commit to holding all those who have allegedly committed violations accountable in accordance with Syrian law.2. The Syrian Government will take immediate legal action against any and all individuals against whom there is sufficient evidence for indictment on charges of committing violations and who were part of atrocities against civilians and their properties....Cooperating with the Government and the Commission of Inquiry team to ensure accountability for all those who have allegedly committed violations.
- Prisoner release
- Road map to the solution...7. The three countries will support the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to expedite the completion of the exchange of prisoners and kidnapped people....The release of any remaining prisoners and accounting for missing people.
- Vetting
No specific mention.
- Victims
- Road map to the solution...Facilitating access to all evidence, including bodies, witness testimonies and security cameras in areas that witnessed the fighting.
- Missing persons
- Road map to the solution...The release of any remaining prisoners and accounting for missing people.
- Reparations
No specific mention.
- Reconciliation
- The United States and Jordan will support the Syrian Government in overcoming the challenges facing this process, including in the areas of reconstruction, institution-building, combating terrorism and violent extremism, ending social strife and achieving national reconciliation....Road map to the solution...10. Jordan, in coordination with Syria, will invite a delegation from the local communities of Suwayda (Druze, Christians and Sunnis) and representatives from the Bedouin tribes of Suwayda to initially separate meetings to help achieve reconciliation.Jordan will then invite these communities to a meeting to achieve reconciliation....The council will interface with the Government and lead efforts to achieve long-term reconciliation....A road map for reconciliation with the Government.
Implementation
- UN signatory
No specific mention.
- Other international signatory
- Road map to the solution...Ayman Safadi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Hashemite Kingdom of JordanThomas J. Barrack Jr., Ambassador, Special Envoy for Syria, United States of America
- Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
- International mission/force/similar
No specific mention.
- Enforcement mechanism
No specific mention.
Source agreement
Annex to the identical letters dated 17 September 2025 from the representatives of Jordan, the Syrian Arab Republic and the United States of America to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council
Road map to end the crisis in Suwayda and stabilize southern Syria
The stability, security and prosperity of Syria are key to regional stability.
Syria, Jordan and the United States have affirmed their joint commitment to work together, in a spirit of equal partnership, to help Syria build a future of peace and prosperity for all its people.
The three countries will collectively support efforts aimed at rebuilding Syria on a basis that guarantees its security, stability, unity and sovereignty, while fulfilling the aspirations of all Syrians and preserving their rights.
They will work in coordination with regional and global partners to advance an all-inclusive, Syrian-led political process that will rebuild Syrian institutions, ensure the representation of all Syrians, celebrate the diversity of Syrian society and guarantee equality under the law and on the basis of citizenship.
The United States and Jordan will support the Syrian Government in overcoming the challenges facing this process, including in the areas of reconstruction, institution-building, combating terrorism and violent extremism, ending social strife and achieving national reconciliation.
This collective commitment reflects the unified resolve of Syria, Jordan and the United States to move forward in a constructive, practical and principled manner.
In this context, Jordan hosted meetings on 19 July 2025 and 12 August 2025 in which the three countries agreed to work together to end the crisis in the southern Syrian Governorate of Suwayda.
They recognize that the recent tragic events in Suwayda dictate a comprehensive long-term approach based on the following principles:
Suwayda is an integral part of Syria and has no future outside Syria.
The people of Suwayda are Syrian citizens with equal rights and obligations like all other Syrians.
The deep trust deficit requires patient and sequenced approaches that begin with confidence-building measures and transitional solutions, leading to the full reintegration of the governorate into the State in a way that strengthens national unity.
The United States and Jordan acknowledged the steps taken, and the commitments made by the Syrian Government in the aftermath of the Amman meetings, and welcomed the determination expressed by Asaad al-Shaibani, the Foreign Minister of Syria, to end the crisis through a solution that ensures the unity of Syria and the rights of the people of Suwayda as Syrian citizens.
Road map to the solution
The three countries agreed on the following steps, to be implemented urgently in partnership and in full respect of Syria's sovereignty:
1. The Syrian Government will invite the United Nations Commission of Inquiry to carry out an investigation into the recent tragic events in Suwayda and will commit to holding all those who have allegedly committed violations accountable in accordance with Syrian law.
2. The Syrian Government will take immediate legal action against any and all individuals against whom there is sufficient evidence for indictment on charges of committing violations and who were part of atrocities against civilians and their properties.
3. The Syrian Government, with the support of Jordan, the United States and relevant United Nations agencies, will ensure the continuation of delivery of sufficient humanitarian and medical supplies to Suwayda, including through cooperation with United Nations agencies and other countries.
4. The Syrian Government will continue its efforts to restore all essential services to the governorate and, with support from Jordan and the United States, ensure that sufficient funding from international donors is available.
5. The Syrian Government will deploy elite Ministry of the Interior forces along the Damascus-Suwayda highway to secure the free movement of civilians and commerce, with Jordan and the United States assisting in overcoming practical obstacles.
6. The Syrian Government will remove all civilian fighters from the administrative borders of Suwayda and deploy elite police forces per the Amman agreement.
Necessary steps will be taken to allow residents of the villages of Suwayda that witnessed fighting during the tragic events to return to their villages.
7. The three countries will support the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to expedite the completion of the exchange of prisoners and kidnapped people.
8. The Syrian Government will announce its plans for the reconstruction of damaged villages and properties, with Jordan and the United States facilitating the necessary support.
9. The Syrian Government will intensify its leadership in disseminating a national narrative that celebrates unity, diversity and the equality of all Syrians and the rule of law.
It will accelerate efforts to contain and end hate speech that promotes division, violence, sectarianism and ethnic discrimination, including through enacting legislation that criminalizes hate speech.
The United States and Jordan will provide help if needed.
10. Jordan, in coordination with Syria, will invite a delegation from the local communities of Suwayda (Druze, Christians and Sunnis) and representatives from the Bedouin tribes of Suwayda to initially separate meetings to help achieve reconciliation.
Jordan will then invite these communities to a meeting to achieve reconciliation.
11. The United States and Jordan will work with the Syrian Government and the communities of Suwayda to agree on short- and medium-term security and administrative arrangements for a transitional period leading to the full reintegration of Suwayda into government institutions.
The discussion will be based on the fact that Suwayda is an integral part of Syria and must achieve reconciliation with the State.
The discussions will aim to achieve agreement on confidence-building measures and practical steps to address current challenges consistent with the agreements of the Amman meetings.
These arrangements will include plans for:
The formation of a local police force that includes all communities of Suwayda.
The force will be under the leadership of an officer from Suwayda appointed by the Ministry of the Interior.
The make-up of the force will be agreed through negotiations.
The activation of all civilian administrative institutions in the governorate in cooperation with the local community and the relevant government entities.
The formation of a governorate council representing all communities of Suwayda.
The council will interface with the Government and lead efforts to achieve long-term reconciliation.
The release of any remaining prisoners and accounting for missing people.
The administration of aid to the governorate in cooperation with the Government.
Ending the foreign interference in Suwayda and reiterating commitment to Suwayda remaining part of Syria.
Facilitating access to all evidence, including bodies, witness testimonies and security cameras in areas that witnessed the fighting.
Cooperating with the Government and the Commission of Inquiry team to ensure accountability for all those who have allegedly committed violations.
A road map for reconciliation with the Government.
The United States, in consultation with Syria, will explore security understandings with Israel regarding southern Syria that address legitimate Syrian and Israeli security concerns, while reaffirming Syria's full sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Jordan will support the United States in these efforts, including through joint meetings.
Syria, Jordan and the United States will establish mechanisms for monitoring implementation of the road map in full respect of Syrian sovereignty.
Damascus, 16 September 2025
Signatories:
Asaad al-Shaibani, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Syrian Arab Republic
Ayman Safadi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Thomas J. Barrack Jr., Ambassador, Special Envoy for Syria, United States of America