Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 30, 2026 International law
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controlled the northeast of the country.
The need to comply with international law
"We welcome efforts to bring stability to the region and now hope for a complete cessation of hostilities," said commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro.
“In this regard, we also welcome the recent decree of the Syrian President recognizing the cultural, linguistic and civil rights of the Kurdish population of Syria,” he added.
The Commission called on all parties to ensure strict compliance with international humanitarian law and to protect civilians.
"We are alarmed by reports of the killing of fighters who laid down their arms and other civilians, as well as the desecration of the bodies of those killed," said commission spokesperson Monia Ammar. She noted that the commission is investigating the alleged violations.
Experts also stress the need to ensure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population and allow civilians to move freely.
The situation of children
The commission is concerned about the situation of children in the region. Cold winter weather—combined with lack of access to electricity, water, food, and heating—could have catastrophic consequences for the population. The experts, in particular, recalled cases of infants dying of exposure in camps for displaced persons in northeastern Syria, including in Ain al-Arab (Kobani).
The situation of detainees, particularly children, amid the shift in control of detention facilities is also deeply concerning. After the Al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa, where individuals suspected of being affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) were held, came under government control, the commission received reports that over 100 children were being held there arbitrarily and subjected to cruel treatment.
The experts also expressed concern about the situation of more than 17,000 children and young people arbitrarily detained in the Al-Hol and Al-Rauj camps and in “rehabilitation centers” such as Khuri and Urkesh.
The Commission calls on countries to repatriate children who are their citizens from northeastern Syria.
Regarding the detained alleged former ISIS fighters, the commission recalled the right of all detainees to a fair trial and called for prompt, effective, transparent and impartial investigations, particularly into those acts that may constitute war crimes.
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