Independent International Commission Issues Report on the Situation in Syria

ARK News.. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic has called for stronger accountability and comprehensive reform of security institutions in Syria, warning that the country is undergoing a delicate transitional phase that requires deep institutional reforms and justice for past violations.

In its latest report, the commission noted that Syria has recently taken several institutional steps viewed as initial indicators of political transition, including the creation of two new national bodies dealing with transitional justice and the issue of missing persons, as well as the launch of national investigations into extrajudicial killings that occurred in coastal, central, and southern regions during March and July 2025.

The commission stressed that years of abuses committed by the former regime’s forces have severely eroded public trust in state institutions, making the restoration of confidence among Syrians one of the major challenges facing the current authorities.

At the same time, the report expressed concern over continued reports of violations in several areas, particularly in parts of the provinces of Homs, Hama, Latakia, and Tartous, noting that investigations into these allegations are ongoing.

The commission emphasized the need for comprehensive reform of the security and judicial sectors, including programs for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), alongside human rights vetting of security personnel and specialized training for members of the armed and security forces.

Commissioner Monia Ammar said the commission’s recent visit revealed the depth of the challenges facing Syria, but also highlighted what she described as the “extraordinary resilience of Syrians working to rebuild their institutions.” She also welcomed the Syrian government’s willingness to engage with international human rights mechanisms.

The report documented a range of violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, ill-treatment, deaths in detention, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and violations related to housing, land, and property rights, particularly targeting communities believed to have supported the former regime.

According to the commission’s findings, more than 1,400 people were killed last March in the provinces of Latakia, Tartous, Homs, and Hama, with most of the victims being civilians.

Investigations also pointed to patterns of targeting based on religion, ethnicity, age, and gender, warning that such violations could amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity if further evidence confirms the allegations.

While the government announced the arrest and prosecution of 14 individuals suspected of involvement in the incidents, the commission said vetting and training procedures within the security forces remain insufficient, and responsibility of senior commanders has not yet been determined.

The report also addressed the events in Suwayda in mid-July, which resulted in more than 1,500 deaths, noting that a separate report on the Suwayda events will be released in the coming period.

Commissioner Fionnuala Ní Aoláin stated that survivors and affected communities deserve justice, reparations, and real guarantees that violations will not be repeated, stressing that ending impunity is essential to break Syria’s cycle of violence that has lasted for more than a decade.

The commission is also investigating reports of violations in northeastern Syria following escalated fighting between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and violations related to housing, land, and property rights.

Furthermore, the report warned of increasing activity by Islamic State in some areas of the country, posing an additional challenge to civilian protection amid the complex security environment.

For his part, commission chair Paulo Sergio Pinheiro stressed that the international community must not stand by while Syrians attempt to recover from decades of weakened rule of law, emphasizing that sustained international support is essential for the success of the political transition and the protection of human rights.

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