The United Nations has urged interim authorities in Syria to intensify their efforts in addressing severe human rights abuses affecting minority groups and individuals linked to the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. This call comes as the anniversary of the regime’s fall approaches, emphasizing the need for significant reforms.
On Friday, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a statement highlighting “distressing accounts” of ongoing violations. Thameen Al-Kheethan, a spokesperson for OHCHR, acknowledged some progress made by the interim government. However, he stressed that these initial steps only scratch the surface of urgent reforms needed to protect vulnerable communities.
Recent Developments in Transitional Justice
The interim authorities, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, have initiated several measures aimed at addressing past abuses. These include the establishment of national commissions focused on transitional justice and the investigation of violence in regions like the coastal areas and Suweida. Additionally, trials have begun against individuals accused of perpetrating violence in these regions, indicating a shift towards accountability.
Despite these initiatives, Al-Kheethan pointed out that serious human rights violations continue. Reports indicate arbitrary killings and abductions targeting individuals suspected of having ties to the Assad government. Minority communities, including the Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Bedouins, have faced growing hostility, both online and offline, which has exacerbated tensions within the country.
Other violations reported include sexual violence, arbitrary detention, and forced evictions. The situation has been further complicated by military actions, with approximately 350 airstrikes conducted by Israeli forces in Syria throughout 2024. These operations, intended to disrupt military infrastructure, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 36 civilians.
Call for Accountability and Addressing Root Causes
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized that addressing the root causes of these ongoing violations is essential for achieving lasting peace. He underscored the importance of accountability, peace, and security as critical components for a successful transition in Syria.
Türk also called for the authorities to uphold the rights of victims to seek effective remedies. Since the fall of the Assad regime, the interim government has faced numerous allegations of human rights abuses. In November, the OHCHR documented the enforced disappearances of 97 individuals under al-Sharaa’s administration. Additionally, a UN commission reported on “repeated massacres and human rights violations” allegedly committed by security forces loyal to al-Sharaa.
These reports stand in stark contrast to al-Sharaa’s public proclamations regarding his commitment to fostering a more inclusive society and promoting religious tolerance. As tensions rise, the increase in hate speech directed at minority groups raises critical questions about the balance between freedom of expression and incitement to violence.
Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explicitly prohibits advocacy of racial or religious hatred that incites discrimination or violence. The UN has provided frameworks to differentiate between legitimate expression and incitement.
Experts warn that Syria’s long-term stability hinges on establishing a national identity that emphasizes equality and belonging, rather than one rooted in ethnic or religious supremacy. As the international community watches closely, the path ahead for Syria remains fraught with challenges.
