HRC58: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Syria

The 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

24 February to 4 April 2025

Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

18 March 2025 

By Hiya Sharma / GICJ

Executive Summary

During the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council, the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Syrian Arab Republic marked a historic turning point. For the first time, the COI was granted access to Syria following the December 2024 removal of the Assad government. Mr. Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Commission, presented an overview of extensive human rights violations committed over the last 14 years. These included arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killings, and the systemic destruction of civilian infrastructure. He highlighted the COI’s recent visits to former detention centres and mass grave sites, reiterating findings that these crimes may amount to crimes against humanity. The Commission's latest report, "Pillage and Plunder," was also presented, detailing the widespread appropriation and destruction of property belonging to refugees and internally displaced persons. Despite the political transition, Mr. Pinheiro warned of the dangers of revenge attacks, displacement, and renewed violence.

During the interactive dialogue, delegates reiterated their criticism of the past regime’s crimes while welcoming the new positive steps taken by the interim authorities to address them, such as welcoming the COI on its territory, and to ensure the protection of human rights. Delegates called on Syrian leaders to ensure accountability for past and present crimes and to further allow international collaboration in its support. At the same time, some of the representatives expressed their concern for the acts of violence that took place under the current administration, whereas others called for sanctioning states to lift their economic restrictive measures to ensure Syria’s development. 

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) supports the Commission's call for a comprehensive transitional justice process rooted in truth, accountability, and reparations. GICJ calls on the international community to prioritise justice mechanisms, the protection of those who are displaced, and the monitoring of the human rights situation in Syria.

Background

Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a brutal civil war marked by widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights. The conflict began with peaceful protests, which were met with violent repression by the Assad regime. Over the years, the situation evolved into a multifaceted conflict involving various State and non-state actors. Civilians have endured violence, facing indiscriminate bombings, chemical attacks, siege warfare, and mass displacement. More than 500,000 people have been killed, and over 13 million Syrians remain displaced internally or as refugees. To address these grave violations, the UN Human Rights Council established the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic in 2011. The COI’s mandate includes investigating and documenting human rights violations, identifying those responsible, and supporting efforts toward justice and accountability. However, for over a decade, the Syrian government denied the COI access to the country, forcing it to rely on satellite imagery, remote interviews, and other open-source information.

In December 2024, following the collapse of the Assad regime and the formation of a caretaker government, the COI was finally granted access to Syria. This pivotal moment allowed the Commission to visit key sites, engage with survivors, and corroborate evidence collected over the years. It also enabled dialogue with the new authorities on transitional justice, legal reform, and the protection of mass grave sites.

Summary of the COI Report

Mr. Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro presented the Commission’s most comprehensive findings to date by building more than a decade of documentation. He reiterated the COI’s earlier conclusions that Syrian government forces were responsible for widespread and systematic violations—including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. The newly gained access enabled the Commission to revisit these findings through on-the-ground investigations in former detention facilities in Damascus and Rural Damascus.

The report also focuses on the December 2024 release of thousands of political detainees. While this act was welcomed, Mr. Pinheiro noted the glaring absence of clarity regarding the tens of thousands of people who are still missing. Many families have yet to receive information on the whereabouts of their loved ones, despite years of advocacy. The Commission stressed the urgent need for a national truth and accountability process, backed by international support and cooperation with the newly established Independent Institution on Missing Persons.

A major element of the report is the conference room paper titled “Pillage and Plunder: Unlawful Appropriation and Destruction of Properties of Refugees and IDPs in Syria” (Pillage and Plunder). This document details the systematic, and often state-sanctioned, destruction of civilian homes in opposition-held areas, even after military operations had ceased. Looting and destruction were carried out not just by formal military units but also by affiliated militias and private actors. These practices have severely hindered the possibility of a safe, voluntary, and dignified return for displaced Syrians. The COI further raised concerns over emerging patterns of retaliatory violence and displacement in regions such as Latakia and Quneitra, with reports of killings and property seizures targeting individuals associated with the former regime. Such developments underscore the urgency of a coordinated transitional justice framework that ensures accountability, prevents cycles of vengeance, and restores public trust.

The Commission urged the international community to remove barriers to humanitarian aid, notably broad sanctions that impact civilians, while preserving targeted measures against those responsible for serious crimes. Mr. Pinheiro concluded by stressing that Syria’s path forward must be built on justice, inclusivity, and respect for human rights.

Interactive Dialogue 

Opening Statement

Mr. Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro opened the dialogue by marking a historic moment—the Commission's first address since the removal of the Assad government and its newly granted access to Syria. He welcomed the cooperation of the new authorities and shared findings from recent visits to former detention facilities, confirming long-standing patterns of torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. He presented the Commission’s latest report, Pillage and Plunder, which detailed the widespread destruction and unlawful appropriation of property belonging to refugees and displaced persons. Mr. Pinheiro warned of emerging revenge attacks and displacement in areas like Latakia and Quneitra, urging the international community to support a comprehensive transitional justice process. He stressed the need to protect mass grave sites, ensure reparations for victims, and lift sanctions hindering humanitarian aid while upholding accountability for past crimes. He concluded by calling on States to seize this moment to support Syria’s path toward justice and reconciliation.

Statement from the Country Concerned

The delegate of the Syrian Arab Republic expressed strong support for the COI’s work and acknowledged the suffering caused by the previous regime. He welcomed the Commission’s access and pledged cooperation with international mechanisms to ensure justice. A new constitutional declaration for the transitional phase was highlighted, which enshrines key rights such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, and protection against enforced disappearances and torture.

The delegate affirmed that Syria is now committed to transitional justice, establishing a fact-finding and civil peace committee to address past abuses. He stressed that accountability will apply to all individuals who committed crimes, regardless of affiliation. The Syrian government also called for the lifting of all sanctions, asserting that they hinder reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. The delegate condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks, describing them as violations of Syria’s territorial integrity.

Positions of Other Countries and Regional Groups 

The delegate of the European Union (EU) expressed strong support for the Commission’s work and welcomed the Syrian authorities’ cooperation and provision of full access. The EU stressed that the inclusion of women and children must be central to Syria’s future. It voiced alarm over the widespread violence reported in early March and called for all perpetrators to be held accountable. The EU demanded that the COI be granted access to investigate all violations, including those beyond the scope of its current reports.

The representative of Saudi Arabia emphasised the importance of reconstructing Syria to ensure stability and security. It welcomed the signing of an agreement to integrate civil and military institutions under the framework of state institutions. The delegation called for the lifting of international sanctions, warning that their continuation would hinder reconstruction efforts and obstruct the return of refugees. Saudi Arabia also highlighted its humanitarian contributions, including the establishment of air and land corridors to deliver aid.

The representative of Switzerland expressed deep concern over the escalating violence along Syria’s coast that resulted in civilian deaths. It condemned the serious violations and called for independent investigations to prosecute those responsible. Switzerland welcomed the creation of a national investigative commission and emphasised the need for UN involvement in its work. The delegation stressed that an inclusive political solution is essential for lasting peace and dignity and called for the protection of all ethnic and religious minorities. Switzerland reiterated its support for the UN Special Envoy and inquired whether the Commission had engaged with Syrian authorities following recent incidents.

The representative of Germany thanked the COI for its long standing work and stressed that the Commission, alongside other UN mechanisms, plays a vital role in supporting Syria's fragile transition. Germany welcomed the transitional government’s engagement with the COI and underlined the need for coordination between accountability mechanisms. It supported a political transition leading to a peaceful and democratic Syria that includes all citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Germany expressed concern over the atrocities committed along the coast and noted the importance of responsibly implementing constitutional guarantees, particularly provisions relating to freedom of expression and anti-discrimination.

The delegate of Canada stressed that lasting peace requires accountability for all human rights violations, both past and present. Canada condemned the recent atrocities on the Syrian coast and welcomed the establishment of an investigative committee. It called for perpetrators to be held accountable, regardless of affiliation. Canada also announced new funding of $1 million for Syria and introduced a general licence to temporarily ease sanctions. The delegation emphasised respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The representative of the Netherlands underscored that the end of the Assad regime does not erase the crimes committed under it. A sustainable transitional justice framework is necessary for long-term political stability. The Netherlands praised the COI’s recent report on detention and stressed the importance of its continued work in documenting violations. It emphasised the need to maintain accountability efforts and also welcomed the cooperation with UN mechanisms, including the IIIM.

The delegate of Egypt reaffirmed its solidarity with the Syrian people during this historic phase and supported a Syrian-owned political process aimed at rebuilding national institutions and safeguarding citizens' rights. It stressed the importance of Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while advocating for a comprehensive approach to ending the conflict. Egypt also supported the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254 and called for urgent measures to resolve the humanitarian crisis and strengthen national institutions.

The representative of China reiterated its respect for Syria’s sovereignty and its support for a political process led by Syrians. It expressed concern over recent casualties caused by armed clashes and called for the protection of civilians. China urged all actors to pursue a national reconstruction plan in line with the will of the Syrian people. It called on the new authorities to intensify anti-terrorism efforts and to take concrete steps to combat listed terrorist organisations while responding to international concerns, including those of China.

The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the Commission’s historic access to Syria and the cooperation offered by the new authorities. It acknowledged the suffering inflicted by the Assad regime and stressed that justice and accountability are essential to Syria’s transition. The UK condemned the recent civilian deaths in coastal regions and warned that further atrocities must be prevented. It expressed support for the COI’s work in preserving evidence and asked how the international community can help ensure that sensitive sites are protected for future accountability.

The delegate of Qatar thanked the Commission for its report and welcomed its visit to Syria. It supported efforts to uphold Syrians' rights and called for accountability for all violations. Qatar commended the constitutional declaration for upholding the separation of powers and hoped it would mark the beginning of a meaningful political process. It urged all parties to avoid actions that could destabilise the transition and welcomed the agreement to integrate northeastern institutions into the broader Syrian state structure.

The representative of France welcomed the COI’s report and reaffirmed its support for independent accountability mechanisms, including the newly established institution for missing persons. It expressed commitment to a peaceful political transition that represents all sectors of Syrian society. France condemned the recent sectarian violence and called for independent investigations. It highlighted the importance of integrating Syria into its regional and international environment in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.

The representative of Kuwait expressed strong support for Syria’s reconstruction and political stabilisation, emphasising the importance of rebuilding the state in a way that ensures security, institutional integration, and national unity. The delegation welcomed the recent agreement integrating civil and military institutions into state structures, seeing it as a step toward inclusive governance. Kuwait called for the lifting of international sanctions, stating that such measures hinder reconstruction and obstruct the return of refugees. The representative underscored the need for continued humanitarian and economic support, highlighting Kuwait’s contributions, including the organisation of air and land corridors to deliver aid aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people. Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts that ensure Syria’s stability, prosperity, and full reintegration into regional and international frameworks.

The delegate of Jordan expressed concern over the renewed violence and displacement in Syria and reiterated its longstanding support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The delegation emphasised the importance of a comprehensive political solution, led and owned by Syrians, to end the conflict and rebuild national institutions. Jordan highlighted the humanitarian impact of the crisis, including the pressure on neighbouring host countries, and called for intensified international efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian needs. It supported the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254 as the framework for Syria’s political transition and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Syrian people in their pursuit of a future based on freedom, dignity, and justice.  

The delegate of Türkiye condemned the repressive policies of the former Syrian regime, particularly the exclusion of women from education and employment, which it stated is in direct contradiction with Islamic values. The delegation expressed concern over the lasting impact of these violations on Syrian society and emphasised the need for the new authorities to reverse such restrictions and establish a fully inclusive government that reflects the diversity of the Syrian population. Türkiye also underlined the importance of humanitarian assistance, calling for improved access, particularly for women-led aid efforts, which remain essential in the post-conflict recovery process. The delegation stressed that accountability and transitional justice must be prioritised and that the international community should support Syria’s stabilisation through coordinated, rights-based engagement.

Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) 

Numerous civil society organisations and NGOs welcomed the Commission's unprecedented access to Syria and reiterated the urgent need for justice and accountability following years of systemic human rights violations. They emphasised the importance of addressing the legacy of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture committed by the former government. 

Several NGOs called for full support to the newly established Independent Institution on Missing Persons, highlighting its role in uncovering the fate of tens of thousands of missing individuals. 

Others focused on the need for a survivor-centred transitional justice process, urging the inclusion of women, victims’ families, and marginalised communities in decision-making spaces. Civil society also stressed the urgency of securing and preserving mass grave sites and detention records to prevent the loss of critical evidence. 

The “Pillage and Plunder” report was widely cited, with calls to prioritise property restitution and the legal rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. Many organisations expressed concern about renewed cycles of violence and revenge attacks, warning that without redress, meaningful reconciliation would remain elusive. Across the board, NGOs urged the international community to sustain its support for documentation, pursue prosecutions of perpetrators, and ensure that Syria’s future is built on justice, not impunity.

Concluding Remarks

Mr. Hanny Megally, one of the members of the COI, delivered the closing statement by emphasising the gravity of Syria’s ongoing human rights crisis and the enduring legacy of abuses committed under the former regime. He reiterated that despite the political shift, there remains a critical need for truth, justice, and accountability. 

Mr. Megally welcomed the Commission’s unprecedented access and the willingness of the new authorities to engage, but he cautioned that true reconciliation must be rooted in a survivor-centred, rights-based approach. He highlighted key priorities, including the protection and investigation of mass grave sites, the urgent need to determine the fate of the missing, and the preservation of evidence for future prosecutions. He stressed the importance of combating impunity and reaffirmed the necessity of inclusive transitional justice mechanisms that incorporate all segments of Syrian society, including women, victims’ families, and minority communities. Mr. Megally also condemned the resurgence of violence in coastal regions and underscored the importance of independent investigations to ensure accountability for recent atrocities. 

He ended his statement by calling on the international community to provide support for justice.  He affirmed that true peace and recovery cannot be achieved without acknowledging the past and addressing the demands of those most affected.

Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Geneva International Centre for Justice welcomes the Commission’s renewed access to Syria and commends its continued efforts to document serious violations of international law. The findings presented confirm long-standing concerns raised by Syrian survivors and human rights defenders. We are particularly alarmed by the scale of arbitrary detention, torture, and the systemic use of enforced disappearance. The trauma inflicted upon detainees, survivors, and their families will persist across generations without a meaningful justice process.

GICJ strongly supports the COI’s call for a comprehensive, survivor-centred transitional justice framework. Such a process must include international cooperation, reparations, criminal accountability, and institutional reform. Justice must not be selective; all perpetrators must be held accountable, regardless of affiliation or political alignment. Furthermore, the revelations of widespread property destruction and appropriation through the "Pillage and Plunder" report underscore the urgent need to protect the housing and land rights of displaced populations.

GICJ urges the Council to call on all States to: 

• support the establishment of an independent truth and justice mechanism; 
• facilitate the identification and return of remains from mass graves;
• provide rehabilitation for survivors, especially women and children; and
• maintain targeted sanctions against perpetrators while lifting broad sanctions that harm civilians.

As Syria moves forward, the international community must stand firmly for justice, accountability, and the non-repetition of atrocities.

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