The release of a UN commission report on violence along Syria’s coast earlier this month has drawn strong responses from the EU and France, as UN experts simultaneously sounded alarms over recent unrest in Suwayda Governorate.
On Aug. 14, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria published its findings on the Sahel events between January and March. The report confirmed widespread sectarian violence that “likely amounts to war crimes,” though it said investigators found no evidence of a government plan to commit crimes. The commission noted that Syrian authorities granted unrestricted access to affected areas.
EU Urges Accountability
EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anita Heber praised the commission’s “tireless work” documenting “gross violations” of international humanitarian and human rights law. She welcomed Damascus’ cooperation with investigators but stressed that further steps were needed.
“In light of the report’s findings, the EU urges the Syrian government to immediately follow through on the recommendations to hold all perpetrators accountable,” Heber said in a statement. She also urged reforms to the security establishment, including disarmament of groups implicated in abuses and restructuring of the National Security Service, along with judicial reforms to ensure impartial rule of law. The EU emphasized that there could be no reconciliation in Syria “except by publicly confronting violations.”
France Calls Report ‘Important Step’
The French Foreign Ministry echoed that sentiment on Aug. 19, describing the report as “an important step toward achieving justice and exposing the truth about the violations.” It encouraged Syria to continue cooperating with UN agencies, particularly regarding ongoing investigations into abuses in Suwayda.
Paris stressed that any political transition “will not succeed unless it is based on inclusiveness, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.” The ministry pledged continued support for UN efforts and said it was ready to assist in strengthening Syria’s judicial system.
UN Experts Warn of Suwayda Violence
While international focus turned to the coastal report, UN experts warned on Aug. 21 of attacks in Suwayda Governorate. Since mid-July, they reported that about 1,000 people were killed, including at least 539 Druze civilians, while more than 33 villages were burned. They cited reports of sectarian violence and human rights violations, and widespread displacement affecting nearly 192,000 people across Suwayda, Daraa and Homs.
“These violations reveal a systematic failure to protect minorities and address gender-based violence,” the experts said, calling for independent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators and disclosure of the fate of missing persons.
Calls for Broader Accountability
Fadel Abdulghani, director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), described the UN experts’ statement as “balanced and objective,” noting that it reflected the network’s documentation. He said violations were committed by both Druze and Bedouin factions, as well as Syrian security forces, and called for transparent investigations.
As Damascus pledges cooperation with UN agencies and the commission prepares further reports, international actors continue to insist that accountability for crimes remains central to any future stability in Syria.
