HRW says Syria takes initial steps on justice, transparency still lacking
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian transitional government took initial steps in 2025 to advance justice and accountability for crimes committed under the former government, but key gaps remain in transparency and inclusiveness, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in its World Report 2026 released on Wednesday.
According to HRW, Syrian authorities established new government bodies focused on transitional justice and addressing the fate of thousands of missing persons.
The HRW added that the government also publicly committed to accountability for identity-based violence and killings carried out by government forces during incidents in March and July 2025.
The organization added that these efforts have fallen short of international standards, particularly regarding the lack of transparency over the role of senior officials and commanders.
“The new Syrian authorities have made justice and accountability a priority, but these efforts cannot be selective or one-sided,” said Adam Coogle, HRW Deputy Middle East Director. “To move Syria into a new, rights-respecting era, Syrian authorities should comprehensively account for abuses by all sides before and after December 2024, examining not just individual crimes but institutional responsibility.”
The HRW noted that a constitutional declaration issued in March affirmed judicial independence, but warned that Syria still lacks the legal and institutional frameworks needed to prosecute serious international crimes.
The organization also called on authorities to clarify how victims and civil society will be meaningfully involved in shaping accountability mechanisms.
The report highlighted that government deployments in response to violence in Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Suwayda in 2025 led to waves of identity-based violence.
While authorities conducted credible investigations, HRW said they failed to disclose whether senior military or civilian leaders would be held accountable.
On the economic front, the HRW indicated that the decision by the United States and the European Union to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria in 2025 marked a critical step toward improving access to basic rights and reconstruction.
Despite this, more than 90 percent of Syrians continue to live below the poverty line, with over half facing food insecurity and dependence on humanitarian aid.
The HRW urged Syrian authorities to adopt comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive accountability processes as a foundation for long-term stability and rights protection.