Head of UN Syria Inquiry Commission steps down after 15 years

In a statement, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro announced that he would officially conclude his duties on 1 June 2026 after serving as chair of the commission for 15 years, citing health and personal reasons for his decision.

Pinheiro stated that the past years had witnessed the documentation of widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by various parties to the Syrian conflict. Since 2011, hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been subjected to arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, displacement, and killing, he noted.

He explained that most categories of war crimes and crimes against humanity defined under the Rome Statute had been documented during the conflict, leaving profound consequences for Syrian society and undermining confidence in state institutions and the rule of law.

He also argued that the absence of full accountability for violations committed by the Syrian government and various armed groups contributed to the continuation of crimes and abuses throughout the years of war.

Pinheiro noted that Syria now stands at what he described as a “more hopeful” juncture, expressing hope that the country could draw on lessons from transitional processes in other states to rebuild legitimate and effective institutions, promote political inclusion, and achieve equitable economic recovery.

He highlighted the crucial role played by Syrian civil society throughout the conflict and called for its meaningful inclusion in any future transitional process. He also stressed the need to dismantle the legacy of authoritarian rule, prevent acts of retaliation, safeguard human rights, and strengthen the rule of law.

The UN official underscored the importance of establishing a fair legal system and professional, representative institutions capable of protecting the rights of Syrians and delivering justice to victims of violence, abuses, and property confiscations.

He further called for the continuation of measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of grave violations, ensuring compliance with international obligations, and holding accountable all those responsible for crimes and abuses committed during the conflict, including violations documented by the commission in 2025.

Pinheiro also urged the international community to continue supporting Syrians in their recovery efforts, rebuilding institutions and the economy, strengthening accountability initiatives and humanitarian protection mechanisms, and supporting civil society organizations. He called on international actors to end what he described as violations of Syrian sovereignty and efforts to destabilize the country.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the commission would continue its work documenting violations and defending human rights, while voicing hope that Syrians would succeed in building a state that fulfills their aspirations for a more stable and just future. 

A-H 

ANHA