The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has raised alarm over escalating violence in post-Assad Syria, warning that repeated atrocities are undermining efforts to rebuild the country and restore public trust.
Background: Post-Assad Transition
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, led by a coalition including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, over one million Syrian refugees returned home amid hopes for peace. The transitional government, headed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, granted full access to UN investigators for the first time since 2011.
Findings: Massacres and War Crimes
In a report presented to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Commission Chair Paulo Pinheiro revealed:
- Over 1,400 civilians were killed in massacres across Latakia, Tartus, and Hama
- Investigators documented torture, extra-judicial killings, and forced displacement of Alawi civilians
- In Sweida, more than 30 Druze villages were looted and burned, with survivors recounting brutal home invasions and killings
Ongoing Threats and Community Tensions
Pinheiro warned that mistrust between Druze and Bedouin communities is growing, and the interim government must act swiftly to prevent further violence. He called for:
- Accountability for perpetrators
- Inclusive dialogue and justice for victims
- Protection of women and girls, amid reports of abductions, sexual violence, and forced marriages
External Interference and Humanitarian Appeal
The Commission also condemned Israeli military actions in southern Syria, citing civilian displacement and airstrikes. Pinheiro urged UN Member States to:
- Halt third-party interventions that risk inflaming the conflict
- Support Syria’s 2025 humanitarian appeal, which is currently only 19% funded
This stark warning highlights the fragile state of Syria’s recovery and the urgent need for international support and accountability.
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