UN Syria Commission calls for justice, reform, and international support as Syria’s fragile transition remains undermined by ongoing violations

Press releases

Independent investigation

13 March 2026

GENEVA — The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic today released its latest report, outlining both the progress and the profound challenges facing Syria as it continues its transition toward inclusive governance, rule of law, and accountability.

The report’s key items were discussed with Syrian government officials, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations during a visit last week by the Commissioners to Syria.

The Commission noted the broad transition initiated by Syria, including by the establishment of two new national bodies on transitional justice and missing persons, and national inquiries into mass killings in Coastal, Central and Southern regions in March and July 2025.

Years of violations and abuses by former government forces and non‑state armed groups have eroded public trust. Key recommendations made by the Commission in the report include accountability, security sector reform, and engagement with impacted communities.

During its visit to Syria, the Commission also raised concerns regarding allegations of ongoing serious violations across the country, including in parts of Homs, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus governorates, that it is currently investigating, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the security sector and the judiciary – alongside disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Thorough human rights screening and training of all armed and security forces personnel, particularly newly integrated commanders, is essential.

“Our recent visit underscored both the depth of the challenges and the extraordinary strength of Syrians who are working tirelessly to rebuild their institutions,” said Commissioner Monia Ammar. “We are encouraged by the willingness of the Syrian government to engage constructively with the international human rights system to ensure accountability for grave violations of the past and to address violations that have occurred recently.”

The Commission’s report documents extrajudicial killings, torture and ill‑treatment, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances, abductions and violations of housing, land, and property rights, particularly impacting communities perceived as having supported the former government.

Last March, government armed forces and private individuals operating alongside them killed more than 1,400 people, mostly Alawi civilians, in Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Hama.

The Commission found clear patterns of targeting based on religious affiliation, ethnicity, age, and gender, concluding that these violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law may amount to war crimes, and should such elements be established through further investigation, may amount to the crimes against humanity.

While the government has initiated arrests and trials of 14 alleged perpetrators, the Commission notes that training, vetting and lustration mechanisms for security personnel remain insufficient while the responsibilities of senior officials and commanders remain unaddressed.

Four months later, in mid‑July, more than 1,500 people, primarily Druze and Bedouin civilians, were killed in Suwayda by government forces, Druze armed groups, and tribal fighters. The Commission’s specific report on the violence in Suwayda will be released later this month.

“Syrian survivors and affected communities deserve justice, compensation and guarantees of non‑recurrence,” said Commissioner Fionnuala Ní Aoláin.

“Ending impunity and restoring trust between all communities and security forces is essential to breaking the cycle of violence that has plagued Syria for more than a decade.”

The Commission is currently investigating reports of violations in the northeast, following a recent spike in hostilities between the government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These include alleged extrajudicial killings, including the alleged execution of individuals formerly in SDF detention, as well as arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and violations of housing, land and property rights.

The Commission also continues to investigate Israel’s military operations in Syria, which have caused significant civilian harm, mass displacement and widespread destruction. In addition to airstrikes which have killed and injured civilians in violation of international humanitarian law, the Israel Defense Forces repeatedly raided villages, demolished homes and damaged public infrastructure in Quneitra without military necessity and transferred arbitrarily detained Syrian men and boys to Israel.

Amid these complex security challenges, Da’esh is reportedly increasingly active and dangerous in parts of Syria, posing additional challenges for civilian protection. The transfer of more than 5,700 persons suspected of being Islamic State members to Iraq, including individuals taken to Syria as children, raises profound concern over violation of the principle of non‑refoulement.

“The international community must not stand by as Syrians struggle to recover from decades of lawlessness,” said Commission Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, “Only through sustained support can Syria complete its transition toward a political environment that guarantees human rights for all.”

ENDS

Read the full report here.

Background: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic was established on 22 August 2011 by the UN Human Rights Council through resolution S-17/1. The mandate of the Commission is to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law since March 2011 in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Human Rights Council also tasked the Commission with establishing the facts and circumstances that may amount to such violations and of the crimes perpetrated and, where possible, to identify those responsible with a view of ensuring that perpetrators of violations, including those that may constitute crimes against humanity, are held accountable. The Human Rights Council has repeatedly extended the Commission’s mandate since then, most recently until 31 March 2026.