A Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Syrian Arab Republic

A Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the Syrian Arab Republic

Damascus, 27 March 2026 – The Ministry expresses its appreciation for the efforts of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic in publishing its report on the tragic events that occurred in Suwayda governorate in July 2025. The Commission confirms that the Syrian Government addressed the situation from the outset with the highest level of transparency.

The Syrian Government is firmly committed to justice and accountability. To this end, it established a national investigative committee with a mandate limited to the tragic events in Suwayda governorate in July 2025. In September 2025, the Government launched a comprehensive roadmap to resolve the situation, which began with an official invitation to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. This initiative underscores the Government’s determination to hold all individuals involved in violations accountable under Syrian law.

The Syrian Government, having reviewed the report, notes the structural factors that contributed to worsening the situation. These include the lingering consequences of years of conflict, violations committed by the former Assad regime, the proliferation of weapons, drug smuggling, and social tensions manifested in the form of abductions. The Government also observes that Israeli strikes had a negative impact, further complicating the situation and hindering efforts to contain the violence.

The Syrian Government welcomes the report’s recognition of the establishment of the national investigative committee and the official cooperation extended to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. This cooperation included facilitating the Commission’s access to Suwayda governorate and enabling meetings with relevant authorities, while upholding the principles of justice and transparency. The Government also appreciates the constructive collaboration between the national investigative committee and the international commission.   

The Syrian Government reaffirms its readiness to continue dialogue and cooperation with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic regarding the findings of the report. It looks forward to the Commission’s recommendations, particularly those calling on the international community to provide multi-level support to enable the Syrian Government to fulfil its responsibilities in restoring security and stability across the country.

The Syrian Government reaffirms that it is addressing the situation with a high level of seriousness and responsibility, in line with the report’s findings on the violations that affected civilians in Suwayda governorate. It emphasizes its unwavering commitment to holding all violators accountable without exception and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any aggression or unlawful acts, regardless of the perpetrator. The Government stresses that ensuring accountability remains a continuing priority. Specialized bodies have already begun taking practical measures based on the outcomes of the national investigative committee, and the Government will consistently uphold this approach to fulfil justice and prevent any recurrence.

In the meantime, the Syrian Government draws attention to the report’s findings regarding the continued violations committed by outlaw groups led by Hikmat al-Hijri. These include the absence of accountability, the obstruction of the Commission’s work, direct threats to civilians, and restrictions on freedom of movement. Such violations underscore the urgent need to reactivate governmental institutions so that they can effectively fulfil their role in protecting civilians and upholding the rule of law.

In conclusion, the Syrian Government highlights the progress achieved in implementing the national roadmap. This includes the issuance of the report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, the return of many detainees to their families, and the ongoing efforts to create appropriate conditions for the return of all displaced persons to their areas, as well as strengthening trust among the various components of society and rehabilitating the necessary infrastructure for their return. The Government renews its commitment to continue implementing the remaining provisions of the roadmap, in cooperation with regional and international partners. This will contribute to achieving comprehensive security, preserving the unity of the country, and meeting the aspirations of the Syrian people — in all their components — for justice and dignity.