Syria – Publication of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic’s report on Violations against Civilians in Coastal and Western Central Syria (August 19, 2025)

France welcomes the August 11th publication of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic’s report on Violations against Civilians in Coastal and Western Central Syria in January-March 2025. This report is an important step toward a full investigation into these violations and obtaining justice. The report’s recommendations must be implemented, as the Syrian authorities pledged to do, in order to consolidate civil peace, prevent the repetition of such actions and protect the Syrian people.

France encourages the Syrian authorities to fulfill their commitment to cooperating with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry and the international community in this regard, as reiterated in a letter that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani sent to the chair of the International Commission of Inquiry, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, on August 8 and made public on August 14. Concrete actions must continue, such as granting Commission teams unrestricted access to the areas affected by violence, and the unanimous adoption of the Human Rights Council resolution renewing the Commission’s mandate.

The Syrian authorities also announced their readiness to involve the relevant UN agencies in ongoing investigations into the crimes and violations committed in the Sweida governorate.

The Syrian transition can succeed only if it is based on solid foundations: inclusivity and respect for human rights and the rule of law. France will continue to stand with the Syrians in the fight against impunity for all the crimes that have been committed there and to support the UN and civil society organizations’ work in this regard. We also stand ready to help strengthen the capacity of the Syrian judiciary.