The chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, announced that his duties officially ended as of June 1, 2026, after 15 years as chair of the commission, which was formed in 2011, citing health reasons for the decision.

Pinheiro said the past years witnessed the documentation of widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, committed by various parties to the Syrian conflict.

He added that hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been subjected since 2011 to arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, forcible displacement, and killing, explaining that most categories of war crimes and crimes against humanity stipulated in the Rome Statute were documented during the conflict.

Pinheiro said those crimes left deep marks on Syrian society and weakened trust in state institutions and the rule of law.

He noted that the absence of full accountability for violations by the former regime and various armed groups contributed to the continuation of crimes and violations throughout the years of war.

A Hopeful Path

The chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria said Syria today stands before a “more hopeful” path.

Pinheiro expressed hope that the country would benefit from the experiences of transitional phases in other countries to rebuild legitimate and effective institutions, strengthen political inclusion, and support fair economic recovery.

He stressed the importance of the role played by Syrian civil society during the years of conflict, calling for its essential involvement in the coming transitional phase, alongside efforts to dismantle the legacy of authoritarian rule, prevent acts of revenge, ensure respect for human rights, and entrench the rule of law.

The UN official emphasized the need to establish a fair legal system and professional, representative institutions that guarantee the protection of Syrians’ rights and achieve justice for victims and those harmed by violence, violations, and property confiscation.

He called for continuing measures that prevent the recurrence of grave violations, ensure fulfillment of international obligations, and hold accountable all those responsible for crimes and violations committed during the years of conflict, including the violations documented by the commission during 2025.

He also urged the international community to continue supporting Syrians in recovery efforts, rebuilding institutions and the economy, strengthening accountability initiatives and humanitarian protection, and backing civil society organizations.

Pinheiro called on international actors to work to stop what he described as violations of the sovereignty of the Syrian state and efforts to destabilize the country.

He concluded his statement by affirming his confidence that the commission will continue documenting violations and defending human rights, expressing hope that Syrians will be able to build a state that fulfills their aspirations for a more stable and just future.

The International Commission of Inquiry

The Human Rights Council established the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria on August 22, 2011, under resolution S-17/1.

The commission’s mandate is to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law committed in Syria since March 2011, establish the facts and circumstances that may amount to such violations and crimes, and identify those responsible.

The commission aims to ensure accountability for perpetrators of these violations, including violations that may constitute crimes against humanity.

It issues periodic reports on violations taking place in Syria, both during the years of war and in the transitional phase the country is currently experiencing.