UN Syria Commission deeply alarmed by Suwayda violence, urges de-escalation, civilian protection and respect for human rights
Press releases
Independent investigation
15 July 2025
GENEVA -- The most recent violence in Suwayda governorate in southern Syria has reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens, including women and children, and the injury of more than one hundred others, with clashes reportedly ongoing. A conflict between Bedouin tribal forces and local armed groups drawn from the Druze community has escalated significantly in recent days, drawing the deployment of Syrian Interim government security and military forces to the city and prompting a series of Israeli-claimed airstrikes. Local residents have reported killings, abductions, burning of properties, and looting, as well as an increase in incitement and hate speech online and in person. The interim Ministry of Defence has reported at least 18 soldiers have been killed.
The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry expresses deep concern over the renewed escalation of violence and recalls that it is the interim government's responsibility to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights of all its people, free from any form of discrimination, and calls on all parties to cease violence immediately and de-escalate the situation through dialogue. Civilians seeking to flee must be protected and afforded safe passage and access to humanitarian support.
The Commission is alarmed by reports of Israeli airstrikes in the area. Any third-state intervention risks widening the conflict, drawing in more actors, and inflicting even greater suffering on the Syrian people.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic is currently investigating alleged violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law in relation to these events and will report on them in due course.
ENDS
Background: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic was established on 22 August 2011 by the Human Rights Council through resolution S-17/1.The mandate of the Commission is to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law since March 2011 in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Human Rights Council also tasked the Commission with establishing the facts and circumstances that may amount to such violations and of the crimes perpetrated and, where possible, to identify those responsible with a view of ensuring that perpetrators of violations, including those that may constitute crimes against humanity, are held accountable. The Human Rights Council has repeatedly extended the Commission's mandate since then, most recently until 31 March 2025.
The commissioners were appointed by the President of the UN Human Rights Council; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights Office provides support to the Commission of Inquiry, the commissioners serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including the UN. Views presented herein are solely those of the mandated commissioners.
Current Commissioners:
- Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro (Brazil), Chair
- Hanny Megally (Egypt)
- Lynn Welchman (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
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