In line with the anniversary of the former regime’s downfall, Mohammad Al Nsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section at OHCHR, shared with UN News that “things are improving.” He noted, “Every time we go to Damascus, we can see the change.”
Previously barred from operating directly in Syria, OHCHR now has a team based in Damascus, which Al Nsour regards as a turning point following years of distant monitoring from Beirut. He recalled from Geneva, “The former government denied access to OHCHR. We tried many times,” but now, being on the ground is advantageous.
Syria still faces pressing needs: rebuilding post-war, addressing grievances, and ensuring justice for violations. Al Nsour highlighted insecurity concerns, from the northeast to Sweida, and the mass killings in coastal areas earlier this year, involving government security forces. Yet, he described the overall trajectory as “very constructive and positive,” citing political willingness from the government to improve. OHCHR is in daily contact with Syrian authorities, offering technical assistance to reform laws, strengthen human rights within law enforcement, and improve public administration, indicating a commitment to a future rooted in rights.
Al Nsour emphasized the significance of the OHCHR presence as an advisor to the authorities, focusing on monitoring, reporting, and advocacy to prevent violations rather than shaming any government.
Syria is preparing for its first Human Rights Day celebration on December 10, closely following a year since the Assad regime’s fall. This event, co-hosted by OHCHR and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, themed “A human rights approach to reconstruction,” marks a new phase in relations with the Syrian government, with discussions on advancing human rights in the new Syria.
Accountability remains crucial for Syrians. Following violent incidents in the coastal region last March, a National Investigative Committee was formed, aided by OHCHR’s advice, with some perpetrators facing national trial. The government’s acceptance of the UN Commission of Inquiry’s mandate renewal allows continued independent international investigations, including post-Assad fall violations. Transitional justice is a 2026 priority, encompassing not only accountability but truth-telling, reparations, and reconciliation.
OHCHR supports women-led civil society groups and advocates for greater women’s political representation, a notion increasingly embraced by authorities. It trains these groups in advocacy, linking them to international human rights mechanisms.
The greatest hope for Syria, according to the OHCHR official, lies with Syrians themselves. Al Nsour praised the resilience and proactive spirit of Syria’s youth, launching grassroots initiatives and community rebuilding efforts. “They saw what happened in other countries and are pushing in the right direction,” he stated.
Despite financial challenges, donors are showing promising funding indications for Syria, with a shared goal of promoting human rights.
As Syrians celebrate Human Rights Day, the message is one of visible, albeit fragile, progress and rising hope.
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