Impunity Threatens Syria’s Stability… Organizations Call for Accountability of Perpetrators

A joint report by Human Rights Watch and Syrian organizations has documented widespread identity-based violations in the coastal region, calling on the transitional government to hold those responsible accountable and to enhance transparency and accountability to ensure justice.

Human Rights Watch, Syrians for Truth and Justice, and the Syrian Archive stated in a report released Tuesday that the Syrian transitional government pledged accountability for the violence that took place in three provinces in March 2025 but has provided only limited transparency regarding whether investigations have addressed the roles of senior military and civilian leaders, or the next steps to ensure those in power are held responsible.

The report documented widespread violations committed by transitional government forces and allied armed groups, including arbitrary executions, deliberate destruction of property, and mistreatment of detainees. It confirmed that these crimes occurred within a centrally coordinated military operation supervised by the transitional government’s Ministry of Defense in Syria.

Heba Zayadin, a senior Syria researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: “The government’s acknowledgment of the atrocities is a step forward, but it falls short of delivering justice for the senior officials who enabled or failed to stop these crimes. Continued impunity paves the way for more acts of revenge and atrocities.”

According to the report, violence erupted starting March 6 with security operations by transitional government forces across the region, primarily targeting Alawite communities, and was characterized by widespread identity-based violations and crimes.

The report’s findings were based on over 100 interviews with victims, witnesses, fighters, and journalists, as well as verified audiovisual materials and satellite images, showing violations affected more than 24 towns, villages, and neighborhoods between March 6 and 10.

The report confirmed that “the Ministry of Defense played a pivotal role in mobilizing fighters and coordinating their deployment, while military leadership continued operations despite knowing about serious violations.”

On July 22, the Syrian National Investigation Committee announced that at least 1,426 people were killed and that authorities referred 298 suspects to the judiciary, but it did not address the role of senior officials in enabling violations or failing to prevent them, focusing instead on personal revenge acts.

The report emphasized that the credibility of the transitional government will be measured by its next steps, including publishing the full report, ensuring accountability at all levels, and not merely prosecuting individuals. It also called for allowing access to international accountability mechanisms, implementing security and structural reforms, vetting fighters’ backgrounds, and expelling those involved in violations.

Jalnar Ahmad, director of the Syrian Archive program, said: “This is not just about what happened in one week in March; it is an indication of a broader pattern that requires structural and transparent addressing.”