Syria urged to address rights violations report

In February 2026, Human Rights Watch released a report assessing initial steps taken by the Syrian government to advance justice and accountability for crimes committed under the former regime. The organization emphasized the need for comprehensive accountability covering abuses by all parties involved in the conflict.

New State Bodies Established

Syrian authorities have established new state bodies focused on transitional justice and uncovering the fate of missing people. Despite pledges to address identity-based violence and killings attributed to government forces in March and July 2025, transparency regarding the role of senior officials and commanders remains limited. Human Rights Watch stated that for Syria to move forward, authorities must ensure comprehensive accountability for violations committed by all parties before and after December 2024, examining both individual and institutional responsibility.

Constitutional Declaration and International Standards

The Constitutional Declaration issued in March 2025 affirms the independence of the judiciary. However, the government needs to provide the legal and institutional frameworks necessary to prosecute grave international crimes and address command responsibility. Authorities have engaged with civil society organizations and included justice experts in national committees, but clarification is needed on how victims and stakeholders will be meaningfully involved in accountability processes.

Violence in Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Suwayda

Government forces were deployed in March and July 2025 in response to attacks and armed violence in Latakia, Tartus, and Hama governorates, and in Suwayda governorate, leading to waves of identity-based violence. While investigations into these incidents were conducted, transparency regarding the involvement of senior military and civilian commanders and accountability measures remains lacking.

Sanctions and Economic Hardship

In 2025, the United States and the European Union lifted long-standing sanctions on Syria. Human Rights Watch described this as a crucial step to improve Syrians’ access to basic social and economic rights and aid in rebuilding the country. However, over 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, and more than half struggle to secure enough food and require assistance.

Recommendations for the Syrian Government

Human Rights Watch called on the Syrian government to protect the basic rights of all Syrians through new legislation and institutions, ensuring international human rights standards guide justice efforts. The organization urged Syria to ratify and implement international human rights instruments and treaties, join the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and submit a declaration granting the court jurisdiction over past crimes. Strengthening cooperation with international accountability mechanisms, including UN bodies, and allowing them access was also recommended. Security reforms, including removing abusive fighters from security forces and establishing clear command structures and codes of conduct, were also suggested.

Government and Local Actors Responsible for Suwayda Violations

Human Rights Watch previously reported that Syrian government forces, local Bedouin armed groups, and local Druze groups were responsible for serious violations during clashes in Suwayda governorate in July 2025. This report, published January 15, documented 86 alleged unlawful killings, including 67 Druze civilians and 19 Bedouin civilians. It also verified seven incidents of summary executions between July 14 and 19, 2025, in which government forces and affiliated militias killed at least 54 Druze civilians, including children.

Suwayda Events Timeline

The Suwayda events began on July 12, 2025, following reciprocal kidnappings between residents of al-Maqous neighborhood and members of the Druze community. Armed clashes escalated the following day. The Syrian government intervened on July 14 to end the conflict, but its intervention was accompanied by violations against Druze civilians. Local factions responded, including groups that had previously cooperated with the Defense and Interior ministries. Government forces withdrew from Suwayda on July 16 after being hit by Israeli strikes, leading to further violations and retaliatory acts against Bedouin residents. Armed convoys, described as tribal mobilizations, were dispatched to support them. Subsequently, Syria and Israel reached an agreement, mediated by the United States, to halt military operations.

Coastal Events

The coastal events erupted on March 6, 2025, following movements by elements of the former regime’s army that targeted General Security personnel in the Latakia countryside. Widespread violations against civilians followed, resulting in the killing of hundreds based on sectarian affiliation.