HRW urges EU to tie Syria engagement to human rights progress
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday called on the European Union to condition deeper engagement with Syria on measurable human rights progress ahead of the May 11 EU–Syria High Level Political Dialogue.
In a letter addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, the organization warned that commitments by Syria’s transitional authorities to break with past abusive practices risk “losing momentum” amid regional instability.
HRW urged the EU to adopt a “more-for-more” approach, linking any expansion of cooperation to concrete steps on justice, accountability, and fundamental freedoms.
It called for impartial investigations into alleged atrocities in Syria’s coastal regions and Suwayda Governorate in 2025, and for comprehensive security sector reform with civilian oversight and vetting of abusive personnel.
The group pressed for full cooperation with international accountability bodies, including the UN International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, accession to the International Criminal Court, and reforms to Syria’s justice system in line with fair trial standards.
HRW also emphasized inclusive participation in the transition, protection for civil society, and guarantees for freedoms of movement, assembly, and expression without discrimination.
On reconstruction, the organization said EU financial and technical support should include safeguards to prevent discriminatory practices.
Separately, HRW urged EU pressure on Israel over settlement expansion in the Golan Heights, calling for targeted sanctions and a halt to trade linked to settlements.
The letter cautioned EU leaders against promoting premature refugee returns, citing ongoing security risks and widespread destruction across Syria.