A new chapter for human rights in Syria – cautious hope and challenges

A year after the fall of the previous regime, “Things are getting better” According to Mr. Mohammed Ensour, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who said: “Every time we go to Damascus, we see change.”

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – which has been banned from working inside Syria for many years – now has a permanent team in Damascus. Ensour believes that this represents an important turning point after a long period in which the human rights situation in Syria was monitored remotely from Beirut.

Signs of progress

Syria continues to face a number of pressing priorities, including the need to rebuild a war-torn country, address many remaining grievances, and achieve justice for past and present violations.

The UN official expressed his concern about the lack of security in the northeast of the country and Suwayda and the events that the coastal region witnessed earlier this year. However, he said that the general trend “Very constructive and positive.”

He added: “There is a political will from the government to improve.” Pointing to “Daily Collaboration” Between the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Syrian authorities.

The government receives technical assistance from the Commission aimed at reforming legislation, promoting human rights in law enforcement institutions, and improving public administration. Ensour added that these steps demonstrate a commitment to a rights-based future.

He stressed that one of the most important advantages of having an office inside the country is that it works “As an advisor to the authorities.” And he said: “We monitor and report violations and use advocacy to alert authorities to prevent them. Our main purpose and purpose is not to expose or blame any government, but to prevent violations.”

Human Rights Day: a symbol of change

Preparations are underway for the first Syrian celebration Human Rights Day On December 10, just two days after it celebrated the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime.

This event is organized in cooperation between the High Commissioner and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the slogan: “A human rights approach to reconstruction.”

Al-Nsour said that the celebration will take place “A new chapter in our relationship with the Syrian government,” Discussions will focus on “How to advance the human rights agenda in the new Syria.”

Accountability and transitional justice

For many Syrians, accountability remains central.

Following incidents of violence in the coastal region last March, the authorities established a national investigation committee – which received important technical advice from UNHCR – and some perpetrators are now being tried before a national court.

Ensour noted that the government also agreed to renew the mandate of the International Investigation Commission, allowing independent international investigations to continue, not only into violations committed during the Assad regime’s era, but also since its fall.

Looking to the future, he said transitional justice was a priority for 2026. He added: “There is a need not only for accountability, but also for truth-telling, reparations, and national reconciliation.”

Women’s voices and youth resilience

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights supports women-led civil society organizations and encourages increased representation of women in political institutions, particularly in the wake of the slim representation resulting from the parliamentary elections – a demand that the authorities have become increasingly receptive to, according to Ensour.

At the same time, the Commission is also working to empower these organizations by training them to use advocacy to promote their issues, and linking them to international human rights mechanisms.

The UN official stressed that the greatest source of hope for Syria is the Syrian people themselves.

And he said: “The most amazing thing about Syria is the resilience of the Syrian people. “What gives hope is this young, educated and creative generation, which desires to engage in the new Syria in a very positive manner.”

He noted that young people across the country have launched grassroots initiatives, from cleaning up public parks to supporting local services – small actions that rebuild a sense of community after conflict.

He added: “They have seen what has happened in other countries in post-conflict situations in the region and beyond, and they are doing their best to push in the right direction.”

Long way

Financial pressures pose a challenge to UNHCR’s work, but donors have demonstrated “Very positive indicators” to increase funding allocated to Syria, according to Mr. Ensour.

He explained that “There is significant interest from major donors in promoting human rights in the new Syria,” Whether from inside or outside the region.

Despite many obstacles, he indicated the Syrians’ determination to rebuild their society in a way based on human rights.

As Syrians celebrate Human Rights Day this year, perhaps the most prominent message is clear: Progress – however fragile – is finally evident, and hope is on the horizon.