HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with Commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with Commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

United Nations Human Rights Council

61^st session

Interactive Dialogue with Commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

13 March 2026

EU statement

Mr President,

The European Union thanks the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) for its latest report.
An independent CoI remains essential at this stage of the Syrian transition. The longstanding documentation by the CoI of violations of international human rights law constitutes a valuable resource that can support victim-centred accountability - a fundamental pillar of sustainable peace and inclusive transitional justice. We reiterate our call for the renewal of its mandate and appreciate the constructive engagement and access granted by the Syrian transitional government to the CoI over the last year.

The European Union welcomes the commitment by the transitional government to build a new Syria based on national reconciliation, rule of law, separation of powers, as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Syrians without distinction, fully safeguarding the diversity of the country. The EU encourages the Syrian transitional government to continue its positive engagement with UN bodies, including the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), the Independent Institution on Missing Persons (IIMP) and the OHCHR and to grant these mechanisms full access.

The EU urges all actors to refrain from violence, to ensure the safety and protection of all civilians, and to uphold international law and universal human rights, with particular attention to women's full enjoyment of human rights and the rights of the child. Women have a fundamental role to play in the new Syria, and the EU continues to call upon the authorities to ensure their full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of political life and society.

The rights of all Syrians without distinction of any kind, including those based on gender, ethnicity, or religion must be respected and protected. The EU remains committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition, free from malign foreign interference and destabilising elements.

All those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law or violations and abuses of human rights - past and present - must be held accountable and brought to justice. A comprehensive and inclusive transitional justice process is a necessity for reconciliation and lasting peace in Syria.

A pluralistic civic space, including free and independent media, is key for the success of the ongoing transition.

The EU is committed to support a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition as well as Syria's recovery and reconstruction with a financial commitment of €620 million in 2026 and 2027 to support socio-economic recovery and reconstruction.

Finally, we would appreciate the Commissioners' insights on how the international community can best support Syrian capacities to ensure comprehensive transitional justice.

I thank you.