Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Violations against civilians in Coastal and Western Central Syria in January – March 2025

The European Union welcomes the publication today of the report by the United Nations’ Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on violations committed against civilians in coastal and western central Syria between January and March 2025. We commend the diligent work of the Commission in documenting grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and welcome their recommendations. The EU takes note of the transitional government’s reply, acknowledges the access they gave for the investigation, and reminds the importance of continuing cooperation and including with Syria’s own Independent National Commission for Investigation and Fact-Finding on the March coastal violence.

In the light of the findings of the report, the EU urges Syria’s transitional government to promptly follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations in order to hold all alleged perpetrators accountable. All those responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, both in the Assad and post-Assad era, must be held accountable and brought to justice. Only by confronting abuses openly can the path be cleared for reconciliation and stabilisation in the country.

Concern is growing around the recent trajectory of events in Syria, and the repeated cycles of violence, escalating community tensions. This is why the transitional authorities should take urgent steps towards the disarmament, demobilisation and restructuring of national security forces in line with international norms and standards. It is equally pressing to comprehensively reform Syria’s judicial system so that it can credibly and impartially uphold the rule of law. Finally, now more than ever, efforts should be made to engage in a genuinely inclusive and peaceful transition process – one that transcends sectarian divisions, prevents incitement and hate speech, and breaks free of the cycle of violence.

The EU continues to stand by the Syrian people in their quest for such a transition, and is ready to mobilise its financial and non-financial instruments. We continue to call on all parties – both domestic and external – to respect Syria’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and to protect the human rights of all Syrians without distinction.

بيان المتحدث باسم الاتحاد الأوروبي يرحب بتقرير لجنة التحقيق الدولية حول الانتهاكات ضد المدنيين في الساحل ووسط غرب سورية بين كانون الثاني/ يناير وآذار/ مارس 2025، ويحيط علمًا برد الحكومة الانتقالية.