HRW criticizes Syrian Interim Govt.: selective justice, lack of transparency, accountability

In its 2026 World Report, HRW noted that the Syrian Interim Government made preliminary moves in 2025 regarding justice and accountability. However, these efforts faced significant shortcomings, most notably the absence of transparency and selective prosecution of officials responsible for serious violations.

The organization highlighted that while the Interim Government established new bodies for transitional justice and for investigating the fate of thousands of missing persons, it did not sufficiently clarify the role of senior military and civilian leaders in acts of violence and killings based on identity, particularly those that occurred in March and July 2025 in Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Sweida.

Adam Coogle, Deputy Middle East Director at HRW, said: “The new Syrian authorities have made justice and accountability a priority, but these efforts cannot be selective or one-sided. Syrian authorities must ensure comprehensive accountability for violations committed by all parties and should not limit investigations to individual crimes while ignoring institutional responsibility.”

The report criticized what it described as a “wide gap” between government promises and actual practices, noting that investigations into the violent incidents yielded limited results and failed to inform the public about accountability mechanisms or the names of officials involved in decision-making.

HRW also pointed out that the constitutional declaration issued in March 2025, while affirming judicial independence, lacked clear legal and institutional frameworks to prosecute serious international crimes or address leadership responsibility. The involvement of victims and civil society organizations remained largely symbolic and ineffective.

On the social and economic front, HRW emphasized that the lifting of U.S. and European sanctions on Syria in 2025 did not lead to tangible improvements in Syrians’ lives. More than 90% of the population remains below the poverty line, and over half suffer from food insecurity, with the Interim Government unable to provide effective solutions.

The organization urged the Interim Government to “protect the fundamental rights of all Syrians without discrimination,” enhance cooperation with international accountability mechanisms, and carry out genuine security reforms, including the removal of personnel implicated in violations and the establishment of clear leadership structures with binding codes of conduct.

The report concluded that the ongoing lack of transparency and serious accountability threatens to undermine trust in the Interim Government, leaving the transitional justice process vulnerable to politicization and hindering any real progress toward a state that respects human rights and the rule of law.

ANHA