The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria has called for all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians as the country faces a worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence, particularly in the Golan region. This appeal comes as Special Envoy Geir Pedersen arrived in Damascus over the weekend to hold meetings with key figures in the Syrian government.
Mr. Pedersen met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the new administration who was formerly known as Mohammad Al-Jolani, and Mohammed al-Bashir, the prime minister of the caretaker government. During these meetings, Mr. Pedersen emphasized the need for a credible and inclusive Syrian-owned and led political transition based on the principles outlined in Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).
In a statement from his office, Mr. Pedersen expressed the United Nations’ commitment to providing assistance to the Syrian people. He also visited the notorious Sednaya prison complex, where thousands of Syrians were detained and tortured by the former regime. Many families have been searching for missing relatives who were detained there.
Additionally, Mr. Pedersen met with a delegation of the Syrian Negotiations Commission (SNC), including military representatives who have been involved in recent military operations in Syria. The ongoing fighting in various parts of the country, as well as recent advancements by Israeli forces and airstrikes conducted by the United States and Türkiye, have added to the complexity of the situation.
The UN Human Rights Council-mandated Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria has called on all parties in the conflict to protect civilians and treat those who have laid down their arms humanely. Commission Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro emphasized the importance of ensuring that forces on all sides of the conflict abide by their commitments to prevent violence and protect civilians, especially vulnerable communities.
The Commission also highlighted the need to preserve evidence and crime scenes, including mass grave sites, for forensic documentation and analysis to support future accountability measures. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances.
Commissioner Hanny Megally underscored the urgency of delivering justice to the Syrian people after nearly 14 years of brutal war. The Commission’s call for accountability and protection of civilians comes at a critical time as the conflict in Syria continues to escalate and humanitarian needs grow.
As the situation in Syria remains volatile and complex, the international community must prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The efforts of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria, along with the work of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, are crucial in advancing the cause of peace and justice in the region.
