Statement by UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula on the Suicide Bombing at St. Elias Church in Damascus
23 June 2025
I strongly condemn the tragic incident that occurred on Sunday at St. Elias Church in Damascus, where a suicide bomber targeted civilians gathered in prayer.
Initial reports indicate numerous fatalities and injuries, including women and children, in what appears to be a deliberate attack on a place of worship.
As Syria embarks on a path towards recovery, reconciliation and rebuilding, there is no room for violence and extremism. This is a time for unity, tolerance and solidarity to create a better future for all Syrians.
I offer my deepest condolences to the families of victims and to the people of Syria and reiterates the United Nation’s commitment to stand with Syria and its people. We urge all relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the protection of civilians, to bring those responsible to justice, and to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.


Prior to his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator, he was serving as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, where he led the UN’s development and humanitarian activities amid the worst drought in generations, political instability, disease outbreaks and a looming famine.
Prior to this, Mr. Abdelmoula held different positions within the UN System, including as Director of the UN Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); Country Director for Iraq at the UN Development Programme (UNDP); Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative in Syria and Kuwait, Chief of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Section at OHCHR, Deputy Chief of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Human Rights Division, Chief Human Rights Officer of the United Nation Assistant Mission for Iraq and Senior Rule of Law and Human Rights Adviser for Somalia.
Before joining the UN, Mr. Abdelmoula worked for several international and regional organizations including Human Rights Watch, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, the Arab Lawyers Union and the Fund for Peace.
Mr. Abdelmoula has a doctorate in public international law from Georgetown University, a Master of Law from Harvard Law School and Bachelor of Law from Khartoum University.