By UNN Staff
May 18, 2025
Amnesty International has called on Syria’s new government to confront the country’s long-standing record of human rights violations through a framework of “justice, truth, and reparation.” In a statement released Friday, the rights group outlined key reforms aimed at preventing future abuses and aligning the country with international legal standards.
The recommendations, sent to Syrian authorities on April 14, include reparations for survivors and victims’ families, accountability through fair trials, cooperation in locating the missing, and comprehensive reforms to the security and justice sectors. As of now, Amnesty has received no official response.
The proposals stem from Amnesty’s extensive documentation of abuses committed between 2011 and 2024 by the Assad government, its allies including Russia, opposition forces backed by Türkiye, and Kurdish-led authorities.
Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, stressed the urgency of rebuilding public trust and ensuring accountability to prevent further violence. She cited the recent mass killing of Alawite civilians as a reminder of the dangers of delayed justice.
In response to the March attack, the new government claimed the violence was initiated by remnants of the former regime and stated its readiness to cooperate with human rights groups. A fact-finding committee has reportedly been formed, and the government has expressed openness to international accountability efforts.
The shift in governance follows the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, ending over five decades of family rule. International observers continue to call for inclusive governance, legal reform, and humanitarian aid to support Syria’s recovery.