Paulo Pinheiro: Syria's future depends on justice, accountability, and an end to violence

The head of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, delivered an oral report to the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, addressing developments in the Syrian situation. He noted renewed hopes for peace and justice after nine months of political change, but warned of continuing violations and worsening risks to civilians.

Pinheiro stated that during its recent visit to Damascus, the commission met with officials from the transitional government to discuss political and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the protection of human rights, stressing that "all victims deserve justice, regardless of the identity of the perpetrators."

Pinheiro called for a moratorium on the death penalty and emphasized that Syrian civil society and non-governmental organizations play a pivotal role in giving a voice to survivors and shaping the future.

Regarding developments on the ground, Pinheiro indicated that Syria's future depends on the establishment of a unified state that integrates all components within a safe and rights-respecting environment. He emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks that targeted the coast in March 2025, which killed more than 1,400 people.

He added that the events in Sweida displaced approximately 200,000 people and raised widespread concern due to summary executions. He explained that the commission began its investigations into these events last July and met with affected displaced persons.

He pointed out that the intervention of "tribal" forces in the Sweida clashes exposed the fragility of the security situation, calling for a stable political and security environment sufficient to address the roots of grievances and violations and ensure a genuine path toward justice and peace.

Regarding northeastern Syria, Pinheiro confirmed that the March 10 agreement between the transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces is faltering, explaining that the recent clashes raise fears of a renewed outbreak of violence, given the continued detention of thousands of ISIS mercenaries.

Regarding violations, Pinheiro explained that the human rights situation in Syria remains dire, despite the decline in systematic violations compared to the Assad era.

ANHA