On December 18, 2025, during its eightieth session, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution [3] on  the promotion and protection of human rights in Syria.

The General Assembly welcomed the end of Asad regime in December 2024, as findings by UN bodies indicate that crimes against humanity and war crimes were committed in Syria. It noted that the Assad regime used widespread arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, and other inhuman treatment to intimidate political opponents, dissenting civilians, and their families. The General Assembly reiterated its concern, noting findings that multiple chemical weapons attacks were perpetrated by the former regime, and stressed that all people responsible must be held accountable.

The General Assembly called upon the government of Syria to ensure that allegations of attacks and crimes against the civilian population are investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable through an appropriate judicial mechanism. It also took note of steps taken by Syrian authorities, including the establishment of a national fact-finding commission, while stressing the need to end impunity in a manner consistent with international law.

The General Assembly emphasized the importance of transitional justice in ensuring accountability, promoting reconciliation, and preventing the recurrence of violations, and reaffirmed the importance of efforts by the Government of Syria to foster dialogue among representatives of the country’s diverse communities. Furthermore, the General Assembly encouraged member states to support efforts to ensure that the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned truth, justice, and accountability processes are implemented.

Finally, the General Assembly highlighted the importance of international support for Syria’s five-year plan to draft a permanent constitution and hold general elections. All external actors are urged to respect the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.

Photo by Torbjorn Toby Jorgensen