The United Nations continues its involvement in Syria, focusing on holding former Assad regime officials accountable for human rights abuses. However, it must also extend its oversight to the new government led by Haya’t Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, now known as Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On February 6, 2025, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria released a report detailing crimes committed by HTS. While the Assad regime’s human rights violations remain under scrutiny, the report highlights that the new authorities must also be held accountable for their actions.
Syria has long failed to meet its obligations under international human rights treaties, despite being a signatory to several agreements. It ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1969, the Convention Against Torture (CAT) in 2004, and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2003.
However, these commitments were never fully enforced, leaving Syrians without legal protections against abuses. The failure to implement these agreements has allowed past and present governments to act without consequences for their violations.
Now, the responsibility for upholding human rights rests with the new HTS-led government, which has yet to demonstrate its commitment to international standards. How it enforces these obligations will determine its legitimacy and ability to gain international recognition.
Human rights enforcement varies across the world, but many observers believe global protections are weakening. Countries emerging from conflict often struggle to balance governance with expanding rights protections, leading to continued instability.
In Syria, fundamental rights such as property ownership and access to independent courts are crucial for preventing further disorder. These elements help limit the influence of armed factions and reduce the risk of warlordism, which has fueled past conflicts.
The international community must ensure that Syria implements these rights to establish a functional legal system. Without clear accountability and governance structures, the risk of continued human rights abuses remains high.
The new government must also address concerns over the treatment of women, minorities, and political opponents. HTS has previously been accused of suppressing dissent, limiting freedoms, and enforcing strict religious policies that violate international standards.
By ensuring property rights and legal protections, Syria can work toward long-term stability. These steps will also help attract international support and improve the country’s prospects for recovery.
Moving forward, global organizations must closely monitor Syria’s commitment to human rights. The new leadership’s approach will determine whether Syria moves toward legitimacy or continues past patterns of repression.
For Syria to rebuild, securing justice for past crimes and preventing future violations must remain a priority. Stability will depend on whether the new government respects basic rights or follows the authoritarian models of the past.
