UN COI on Syria issues report following conclusion of Syria visit

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic concluded a visit to the country that lasted from 1 to 7 July, during which it met with government officials, representatives of civil society, and victims of human rights violations.

The Commission also visited the Homs and Quneitra Governorates, in addition to Damascus and its countryside, Aleppo, Raqqa, and Hasakah, before issuing its mission report, which sets out the Commission's recommendations on the key issues of concern to the Syrian public. The report stated:.

Transitional justice and accountability

The Commission described progress in drafting a transitional justice law and the start of trials related to violations committed during the previous period as a positive development. It stressed the need to ensure fair trials, hold those responsible for the events in the coastal region and Suwayda accountable, and expand the participation of victims and communities in the justice process.

Conditions of detainees

The Commission expressed concern over the continued detention of thousands of people without clear judicial review, calling for the fate of detainees to be revealed and for all detention procedures to be ensured as lawful.

Property and education rights

The Commission called for accelerating efforts to address property disputes and compensate those affected, while protecting the rights of indigenous populations.

It also welcomed efforts to unify educational curricula and recognize academic certificates, but expressed concern over disruptions to the examinations of some students from Suwayda due to security conditions.

Hate speech and freedom of expression

The Commission stressed the importance of combating hate speech while safeguarding freedom of expression, calling for the promotion of social cohesion through the media and educational programs.

Homs and Quneitra

The Commission expressed concern over retaliatory killings in Homs, stressing the need for investigations into these incidents.

In Quneitra Governorate, the Commission documented the impact of Israeli incursions, calling on Israel to reopen agricultural roads and release detained civilians.

North and North-East Syria

The Commission expressed concern over the conditions of displaced people in some camps in the North-East Syria Region, particularly Roj Camp, calling for the resolution of the status of children and women residing in the camps to enable their return to their countries of origin.

It noted an improvement in the security situation in Afrin compared with previous periods, and encouraged the Interim Government to intensify efforts to facilitate the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of all internally displaced persons (IDPs), including nearly 1,000 displaced families from other areas who are currently living in Afrin, while ensuring full respect for property rights.

Regarding the Hasakah Governorate, the Commission said it had met with a number of stakeholders and noted the release of more than 1,000 fighters who had been captured during the latest escalation in January. It called on the Interim Government to intensify its efforts to clarify the fate and whereabouts of around 800 other people whose status remains unknown.

The Commission affirmed that it would continue to monitor these files and provide recommendations, contributing to the promotion of accountability, the protection of human rights, and support for stability in Syria.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic was established on 22 August 2011 by the United Nations Human Rights Council under Resolution S-17/1. The Commission’s mandate is to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law since March 2011.