The European Union has welcomed the establishment of two new Syrian institutions aimed at addressing the country’s long-standing human rights crises, calling it a significant move toward truth, justice, and reconciliation.
In a statement released by the spokesperson for the EU’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the bloc expressed support for the newly formed National Authority for Transitional Justice and the National Authority for Missing Persons in Syria. The EU described the development as a critical step toward addressing the deep scars left by more than a decade of conflict.
“Efforts on transitional justice are fundamental to lay the groundwork for reconciliation and lasting peace in Syria,” the statement read. “Investigating the fate of all missing persons will be a crucial step in bringing closure to families and communities affected.”
The EU urged Syria’s transitional authorities to conduct the work of the new institutions with transparency, impartiality, and broad inclusion. The statement emphasized the importance of adherence to international standards of justice and called for full participation by Syrian and international civil society organizations, as well as international bodies with experience in post-conflict resolution and human rights investigations.
Tens of thousands of Syrians remain unaccounted for, including those forcibly disappeared or detained during the country’s civil war. Rights groups and families of the missing have long demanded credible mechanisms to uncover the truth and hold perpetrators accountable.
The establishment of these two bodies has been met with cautious optimism by observers, many of whom note that while the move is a step forward, its success will depend heavily on the authorities’ willingness to ensure independence and integrity in the process.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace and accountability. “The EU continues to support the Syrian people in their journey toward peace, stability, and justice,” the statement concluded.
The announcement comes amid ongoing international pressure for greater accountability and reform in Syria, as the country remains fragmented by conflict, sanctions, and political paralysis.
