Syria - Publication of the special investigation report by the International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

France welcomes the publication, on July 7, 2020, of the special report by the International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic focusing on the violations of international humanitarian law in Idlib, requested by the Human Rights Council.

This independent report underscores the responsibility of the pro-government forces in Syria for acts that may constitute war crimes during the recent offensive by the Syrian regime and Russia in Idlib. This notably relates to deliberate attacks by Syrian and Russian air forces against health care workers and medial and civilian infrastructure.

The Commission of Inquiry also underscores that the indiscriminate bombing by pro-government forces, and the massive forced displacement of nearly one million civilians that it triggered, could amount to a crime against humanity.

This report also shows that the UN-designated terrorist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was responsible for several acts that may constitute war crimes, notably including extrajudicial executions, inhuman and degrading treatment, acts of torture and looting.

France reiterates in the strongest terms its condemnation of these acts and the policy of terror employed by pro-government forces and terrorist organizations in Syria. These crimes must not go unpunished. France is resolutely committed to achieving this goal in close cooperation with its international partners and, in this respect, supports the Commission and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.