Press Release Issued by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic Regarding the Amnesty International Report

The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic has closely followed the report issued by Amnesty International regarding the events that took place in Syria’s coastal region in March. The report includes preliminary conclusions which are to be evaluated by the Independent National Commission for Investigation and Fact-Finding, in accordance with its mandate, independence, and the broad powers granted to it under a presidential decree.

In its commitment to uphold justice and enhance transparency, the government wishes to highlight certain methodological observations that should not be overlooked with the passage of time. Among the most significant of these observations is the tendency of some human rights reports to overlook or downplay the context in which the events occurred, which impacts the conclusions reached. The unfortunate events in the coastal region began with a treacherous premeditated attack by remnants of the former regime, targeting public security forces and the army. During this attack, violations were committed against the local population, sometimes motivated by sectarian motives. This led to a temporary absence of state authority after the martyrdom of hundreds of personnel, resulting in a security vacuum that was followed by retaliations, abuses, and violations. The National Commission has taken it upon itself to investigate these violations and issue its findings within thirty days.

The Syrian government also reaffirms its efforts and readiness to cooperate with human rights organizations and allow them access to all parts of the country. These efforts have been praised by the International Commission of Inquiry, as they align with a comprehensive national reconciliation approach based on transitional justice that applies solely to the criminals, with the state and its institutions being the fundamental reference in this regard, without any vengeance.

In this context, the Syrian government reaffirms its full responsibility for protecting all of its citizens, regardless of their sub-identities, and ensuring their future in a state of equal citizenship, with equal rights and duties.