The Syrian government welcomed the latest report issued by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which covered the period following the fall of the Assad regime, saying it recorded “positive steps” taken in the fields of investigation and accountability.
In a statement issued by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Friday, March 13, and reviewed by Enab Baladi, the government commented on the publication of the report, which covers what it described as a “sensitive” phase the country is going through after decades of “authoritarianism and systematic violations.”
The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria said the transitional phase in Syria remains “fragile,” despite some steps taken by Syrian authorities toward reform. It warned that continued violations undermine efforts to build a state based on the rule of law.
Praise for local steps
The Syrian Foreign Ministry statement said the UN report highlighted several efforts undertaken by the new Syrian government, including general amnesty measures for those not involved in “the blood of Syrians,” steps toward integrating armed factions, and efforts by the Ministries of Interior and Defense to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.
The statement also noted that the report acknowledged the work of independent national committees and recognized the right of victims to equal access to accountability and justice.
It further highlighted the formation of the national committee investigating the events on the Syrian coast and the ongoing work of that body, as well as the roadmap announced by the foreign minister regarding the events in Suwayda.
In the same context, the government welcomed the report’s reference to the constitutional declaration, which it said “enshrines rights and freedoms” stipulated in international treaties, as well as the expansion of media freedom and the growing activity of civil society.
The government added that Presidential Decree No. 13 guarantees cultural, linguistic, and citizenship rights for Syrian Kurds, and said the formation of the government took into account geographic and societal diversity.
Addressing internal violations
Regarding the violations or abuses mentioned in the report, particularly the tragic events on the Syrian coast and in Suwayda, the government reaffirmed its commitment to holding all those involved accountable and not to tolerate any attacks on civilians or breaches of the law.
The statement said Syrian authorities had begun preliminary steps to arrest and prosecute several suspects and to hold public trials attended by independent observers. It also referred to initial arrests linked to the Suwayda events.
According to the statement, the report noted that government forces had taken steps to protect civilians during some of their operations in Aleppo and northeastern Syria, which Damascus described as “practical evidence” of its success in preventing the return of chaos.
However, the UN report documented the continuation of serious human rights violations in several areas, including Homs, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus. These included extrajudicial killings, torture, ill-treatment, deaths in detention, enforced disappearances, and violations related to housing, land, and property.
According to the commission, more than 1,400 people, most of them Alawite civilians, were killed in March 2025 in the governorates of Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Hama by government forces and allied gunmen.
The report also documented the killing of more than 1,500 people in Suwayda governorate in July 2025, most of them Druze and Bedouin civilians, during clashes involving government forces, armed Druze groups, and tribal fighters.
The commission said the patterns of targeting indicated motives linked to religious and ethnic affiliation, as well as age and gender, noting that such acts could amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity if confirmed through investigations.
Accusations against Israel and “terrorist organizations”
The Syrian Foreign Ministry statement also stressed what it described as “serious violations” committed by Israel inside Syrian territory, which the UN report documented.
The statement said Israel had escalated its military operations to an unprecedented level since the end of 2024, including hundreds of airstrikes and ground operations targeting sites inside Syria. These attacks resulted in civilian casualties, destruction of property, and the displacement of residents.
It also accused Israel of carrying out military incursions, arbitrarily detaining Syrian civilians and transferring them to Israeli territory, and using lethal force against demonstrators. The government said such practices “may amount to grave breaches of international humanitarian law and could constitute war crimes in some cases.”
The government also highlighted the report’s references to the continuing threat posed by “terrorist organizations,” particularly the Islamic State group, which has carried out deadly attacks targeting civilians and places of worship. It said such actions reflect the “destabilizing role” of extremist groups in undermining stability.
Continued path for dialogue
The Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by saying the government views the recommendations contained in the report positively and considers them a basis for “institutional and serious dialogue” with the commission and UN bodies.
It affirmed its commitment to working closely with the commission to explore mechanisms for implementing recommendations that align with Syrian national priorities.
The government reiterated its commitment to what it called a “national path that balances justice and stability,” saying that achieving a successful outcome in Syria requires responsible international support to strengthen national institutions and help Syrians overcome the effects of conflict.
The UN commission also noted that Syrian authorities had arrested and begun prosecuting 14 individuals suspected of involvement in the violence.
However, it said that vetting mechanisms and reforms of the security services remain insufficient, particularly regarding accountability for senior commanders and officials.
The commission called for comprehensive reforms in the security and judicial sectors, as well as programs for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of fighters. It also recommended that all members of the armed forces and security services undergo human rights vetting and training.
Damascus welcomes UN report, reaffirms commitment to investigations into the Syrian coast and Suwayda Enab Baladi.
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