UN experts urge restoration of peace, human rights and security in North-East Syria

GENEVA – UN experts* today called for a durable ceasefire, the protection of civilians and of Kurdish rights, and the safety and security of detainees and prisoners following recent Syrian military operations in North-East Syria.

“We urge the parties to peacefully resolve this conflict with full respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including humanitarian assistance for the many displaced persons,” the experts said.

In January 2026, Syrian military forces rapidly recovered significant territory formerly controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the military arm of the de facto authorities in North-East Syria. A ceasefire has been in effect since 20 January 2026, but breaches have been reported.

Negotiations are focused on the integration of SDF fighters and the de facto administration into Syrian national institutions. The experts welcomed a Syrian Presidential decree that recognised the cultural, language and citizenship rights of Syria’s Kurdish population and called for its effective implementation.

They condemned shocking alleged violations of international law, including reports of summary executions, attacks on civilians, torture and the desecration of bodies and graves. “We call on the authorities to investigate allegations of violations by any actors and ensure accountability,” they said.

The experts expressed deep concern about reports of insecurity, violence, and breakouts at detention facilities, including escapes by alleged ISIL members. Camps holding other detainees have also come under national control, including families and others deemed without legal process to be associated with ISIL, displaced persons and victims of trafficking.

“ISIL-related mass indefinite detention in North-East Syria has been a legal blackhole for over six years, with no legal basis or due process. A majority of detainees are children and women who have suffered serious rights violations,” the experts said. “Continued detention must be swiftly brought under a legal framework, and Syrian authorities must ensure humanitarian needs are urgently met.”

“We are alarmed by reports that the United States is planning and has already commenced the rapid, mass rendition of 7,000 alleged ISIL prisoners to Iraq without any publicly known screening or legal process, oversight or protection for human rights,” they said. “The international obligation of non-refoulement precludes transfers where there is a risk of serious harm, including inhumane prison conditions, unfair trial for vague terrorism offences, and the death penalty in Iraq.”

The experts urged Syrian authorities to expedite the safe and dignified return home of thousands of Syrian nationals, particularly women and children and victims of trafficking, from inhumane detention, in line with international law and the Principles on the Human Rights-Based Return, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Syrian Nationals from Detention in North-East Syria.

“We also call on over 50 other countries to urgently repatriate, rehabilitate and reintegrate the thousands of foreign nationals in detention, while ensuring accountability in line with international law,” they said. “The international community should support Syria to resolve the harmful legacy of the ISIL conflict.”