Syria Nears One Year Post-Assad as UN Warns of Rising Abuses and Urgent Need for Justice

According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the progress made so far represents only the beginning of what is required to build a stable, inclusive and democratic Syria.

In just a few days, Syria will mark one year since the fall of the Assad regime, a turning point that raised hopes for accountability, peace and a rights-based future. Yet, despite early steps by the interim authorities to address past violations, the UN warns that Syria’s transition remains fragile, marred by continuing violence, discrimination, and gaps in justice.

According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the progress made so far represents only the beginning of what is required to build a stable, inclusive and democratic Syria.

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Early Steps Toward Accountability — But Insufficient

Since the regime’s collapse, the interim authorities have established several mechanisms intended to uncover truth and foster justice, including:

• A National Commission for Transitional Justice

• A National Commission for Missing Persons

• Investigative bodies examining violence in coastal areas and in Suweida

• A draft law on transitional justice

• The start of trials for alleged perpetrators of coastal violence

These steps represent important foundations for rebuilding trust in state institutions. However, the High Commissioner stressed that deep, structural reforms are essential for these mechanisms to succeed.

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Alarming Rise in Killings, Abductions and Attacks

Despite progress on paper, the Human Rights Office continues to document severe violations across the country. In the past year:

• Hundreds of individuals were killed in summary executions, arbitrary attacks, abductions and indiscriminate violence.

• Victims were killed using guns, knives, stones, shelling and hand grenades.

• Perpetrators included:

  • Interim authorities’ security forces

  • Armed groups affiliated with them

  • Elements linked to the former government

  • Local armed groups

  • Unidentified armed individuals

• Civilians also died from explosive remnants of war, which remain widespread across former battle zones.

These abuses have disproportionately targeted members of Alawite, Druze, Christian and Bedouin communities, fueling cycles of retaliation and deepening communal distrust.

The rise in hate speech, both online and in public spaces, has further escalated tensions and placed minority groups at heightened risk.

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Widespread Rights Violations Continue

Beyond killings, a broad range of violations remains pervasive, including:

• Sexual violence

• Arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances

• Looting and destruction of civilian property

• Forced evictions and confiscation of homes, land and assets

• Restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly

These abuses undermine efforts to rebuild national cohesion and threaten the prospects of a peaceful transition.

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Impact of Israeli Military Operations

The past year has also seen repeated Israeli military operations, incursions and the occupation of additional Syrian territory. The UN Human Rights Office received reports of:

• Civilian casualties, including in a recent operation near Damascus

• Arrests

• Home searches and property damage

These operations add another layer of instability to an already volatile situation.

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Urgent Need for Security Sector Reform

One major challenge is the hasty integration of former armed groups into new security forces. Without proper human rights–based vetting, individuals responsible for serious violations risk being placed in positions of authority, perpetuating cycles of abuse.

A transparent, accountable security sector reform process is critical to preventing further violations and rebuilding public confidence.

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Türk: Accountability and Justice Are Prerequisites for Peace

High Commissioner Volker Türk stressed that all violations — past and present — must be independently, thoroughly and transparently investigated.

He emphasized that:

• Accountability and justice are essential prerequisites for a successful transition.

• The rights of victims to remedies and reparations must be fully realized.

• Peace and security for all Syrians depend on addressing the root causes of conflict and discrimination.

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UN Support for Syria’s Transitional Justice Efforts

The UN Human Rights Office, through its programme in Damascus, continues to support Syrian-led efforts to:

• Strengthen transitional justice frameworks

• Build inclusive institutions

• Promote the rule of law

• Ensure that victims’ voices shape the country’s future

As Syria approaches the one-year mark since the Assad regime’s fall, the international community stresses that sustained political will, inclusive reforms, and human rights accountability will determine whether the country moves toward lasting peace or deeper fragmentation.