Amnesty International Urges Syrian Transitional Government to Prioritize Justice and Accountability

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Amnesty International on Friday called on Syria’s transitional government, led by President Ahmad al-Shar’a, to take immediate and concrete steps toward justice and accountability, citing an urgent need to address the country’s long-standing human rights crises and the legacy of wartime atrocities.

In a statement, the rights organization described the transitional period as a “critical opportunity” to break from decades of impunity, especially in the aftermath of the deadly clashes in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025, which Amnesty previously labeled as “war crimes.”

The renewed call comes amid international scrutiny and cautious optimism following the December 2024 fall of the previous regime, and the emergence of a new, internationally engaged political leadership.

Amnesty said it had sent a detailed set of recommendations and inquiries to the new authorities but had yet to receive a formal response. The group urged the government to engage directly with victims and civil society organizations, ensure transparency, and uphold commitments outlined in the March 2025 constitutional declaration.

Kristin Beckerle, Deputy Director of Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, emphasized the need for inclusive and transparent justice processes:

“Building a more just Syria requires not only justice for past atrocities but a firm commitment to prevent their recurrence,” she said. “This includes acknowledging the suffering of victims and ensuring their voices shape the future.”

Amnesty’s statement highlighted the ongoing trauma of families of the forcibly disappeared—an issue central to Syria’s human rights landscape. The organization noted widespread disappointment over the lack of meaningful progress since the regime change, particularly regarding the formation of a national committee tasked with addressing disappearances.

The March 2025 events in Banias and surrounding coastal areas left dozens dead and displaced hundreds. Amnesty cited credible evidence pointing to the use of excessive force and targeting of civilians along sectarian lines. It reiterated its demand for full, impartial investigations and accountability mechanisms to address these crimes.

While the statement refrained from naming specific perpetrators, it called for scrutiny not only of former regime figures but also of members of armed opposition groups and de facto authorities who exercised control over various regions during the conflict.

This balanced approach echoes a broader international push to ensure that justice initiatives do not focus solely on one party but encompass all actors implicated in human rights violations, including regional stakeholders.

Among Amnesty’s primary recommendations were:

Establishment of a national truth and reconciliation commission.

Public vetting mechanisms for current government and military personnel.

Full implementation of reparations and victim-centered justice programs.

Commitment to international legal standards and cooperation with independent inquiries.

The organization emphasized that rebuilding trust requires accountability, not only to satisfy demands for justice but also to prevent future cycles of violence.

In northeast Syria, where the Autonomous Administration (AANES) and its Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have long advocated for decentralized governance and inclusive justice processes, local authorities have emphasized the importance of community-based accountability and participatory mechanisms. Observers suggest such models could offer valuable insight as Damascus crafts a national framework for justice.

As Syria navigates its fragile transition, rights groups and international stakeholders continue to press for a justice process rooted in truth, transparency, and inclusion. While the new leadership in Damascus has signaled its intent to distance itself from past abuses, sustained action will be key to restoring public trust.

The success or failure of these efforts will not only define the legitimacy of the transitional government but could also determine whether Syria emerges from over a decade of war as a nation committed to human dignity and accountability.