Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 3, 2025 Human rights
For the first time in the country's history, Syrians are preparing to publicly celebrate next week Human Rights Day – a small but significant step that the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says marks a “new chapter” in its engagement with the authorities and gives hope to millions of people waiting for change.
In an interview with the UN News Service, OHCHR representative Mohammad Al-Nsour reported that the situation in the country is improving a year after the fall of the Assad regime. "Every time we come to Damascus, we see changes," he said.
For many years, the Office was not allowed to operate inside Syria, but the OHCHR team is now permanently based in Damascus. Previously, Al-Nsour monitored the human rights situation remotely from Beirut.
Signs of progress
Syria still faces many challenges, including rebuilding the war-torn country and holding those responsible for crimes committed both under the former regime and since its fall to justice.
Al-Nsour noted that the security problem also remains extremely serious, recalling in particular the massacres in coastal areas of Syria earlier this year, including cases committed by security forces.
Nevertheless, overall, he said, the situation is developing “very constructively and positively.”
"There is political will and a desire on the part of the government to improve the situation," he said. The government is receiving technical assistance from UN representatives aimed at reforming legislation, strengthening human rights principles in law enforcement, and improving the effectiveness of public administration.
These steps, he noted, demonstrate a commitment to a future based on respect for human rights.
He stressed that one of the key advantages of having an OHCHR office inside the country is that its staff act “as consultants to the authorities.”
"Our goal is not to shame or blame any government, but to prevent violations," Al-Nsour said.
Human Rights Day
Preparations are in full swing for the first-ever Human Rights Day commemoration on December 10. The event, which coincides closely with the anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, is jointly organized by the OHCHR and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Al-Nsour noted that the celebration would mark a "new chapter in relations with the Syrian government," and that discussions would focus on "how to advance the human rights agenda in the new Syria."
Accountability and fairness
For many Syrians, accountability remains a key demand. Following the coastal incidents in March, the authorities established a National Investigative Committee, which received significant technical support from the OHCHR. Some perpetrators have already been brought to justice.
Al-Nsour noted that the government also agreed to extend the mandate of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, allowing for the continuation of independent international investigations not only into violations committed under the Assad regime but also after its fall.
Voices of Women and Youth
The OHCHR also supports women's civil society organizations and promotes women's greater political participation. According to Al-Nsour, the authorities are open to this approach.
The UN representative emphasized that the main source of hope for Syria is the Syrians themselves.
"Syria's remarkable trait is the resilience of its people," he said. "The remarkable, educated young generation, ready to participate in building a new Syria in the most positive way, inspires hope," the OHCHR representative added.
Across the country, young people are launching their own initiatives, from cleaning public parks to supporting local services.
“They have seen what has happened in other countries – in post-conflict situations in the region and beyond – and they are doing everything they can to move in the right direction,” Al-Nsour said.
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