Press release – Violence in north-east Syria may amount to war crimes, warn MEPs

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by European Parliament, click this post to read the original article.

In a resolution on the situation in north-east Syria, MEPs stress that extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, forced displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure may amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law and, in some cases, to war crimes. They cite credible reports, from the United Nations and non-governmental organisations, of recent abuses, particularly against the Kurdish population, including desecration of corpses, vandalised burial grounds and the use of unguided munitions in civilian areas. MEPs express deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in north-east Syria and call on the EU to increase its humanitarian assistance.

Unwavering support for the ceasefire

Welcoming the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian transitional government, Parliament reaffirms its strong support for the ceasefire and for the recognition of Kurdish civil and educational rights, and urges all parties to uphold existing arrangements.MEPs also call on regional actors, including Türkiye, to refrain from undermining the ceasefire by taking military action or backing armed groups.

Protection of Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity

MEPs underline that stability in north-east Syria is essential for a comprehensive, inclusive and just political transition. They call on the Syrian authorities to guarantee the protection and fundamental rights of all communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, Christians, Druze and Yazidis. The resolution stresses that full recognition, equal rights and political participation of the Kurdish community are indispensable for a stable and inclusive Syria. It urges the transitional government to enshrine these guarantees in the constitution, while upholding Syria’s territorial integrity.

Combat any resurgence of Daesh

Parliament expresses grave concern about the risk posed by escaped Daesh fighters and affiliates from detention facilities and camps in north-east Syria. Shifting responsibility for detainees to Iraq, MEPs warn, could create new uncertainty and dependence on third countries’ capacity and political will.

Parliament calls on the member states to repatriate all their nationals, especially children, from the al-Hol and al-Roj camps and to bring adults to justice in fair trials.

Regretting the US decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Iraq, MEPs urge the EU, its member states and partners to step up their efforts to prevent any Daesh resurgence from threatening Syria, the region and Europe. They also highlight the decisive role of Kurdish forces, including women combatants, in the fight against Daesh.

Any engagement with Syria, MEPs stress, must remain conditional on verifiable progress in civilian protection, ceasefire compliance, human rights and minority rights.

The resolution was adopted by 363 votes in favour and 71 against, with 81 abstentions.