The European Parliament has issued a stark warning that escalating violence in northeast Syria may amount to war crimes, citing credible reports of
serious abuses against civilians, particularly members of the Kurdish community.
In a resolution adopted this week, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned all acts of violence targeting civilians and called on all parties to fully respect the existing ceasefire. The Parliament stressed that extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, forced displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and, in certain cases, may qualify as war crimes.
MEPs referenced reports from the United Nations and international non-governmental organisations detailing recent abuses in the region. These include the desecration of corpses, vandalism of burial sites and the use of unguided munitions in populated civilian areas. Lawmakers expressed particular concern over violations affecting Kurdish populations and warned that the humanitarian situation in northeast Syria continues to deteriorate. They urged the European Union to increase its humanitarian assistance without delay.
Support for the ceasefire and Kurdish rights
The Parliament welcomed the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syria’s transitional authorities, reaffirming its strong backing for the ceasefire. MEPs underlined the importance of recognising Kurdish civil and educational rights and called on all parties to honour existing commitments.
Regional actors, including Türkiye, were urged to refrain from any military action or support for armed groups that could undermine stability or derail the ceasefire.
Preserving Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity
MEPs stressed that long-term stability in northeast Syria is essential for a comprehensive, inclusive and just political transition. The resolution calls on Syrian authorities to guarantee the protection and fundamental rights of all ethnic and religious communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, Christians, Druze and Yazidis.
Full recognition, equal rights and meaningful political participation for the Kurdish population were described as indispensable for Syria’s future stability. The Parliament urged the transitional government to enshrine these guarantees in the constitution, while maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity.
Preventing a Daesh resurgence
The resolution also raises alarm over the risk posed by escaped Daesh fighters and affiliates from detention facilities and displacement camps in northeast Syria. MEPs warned that transferring responsibility for detainees to Iraq could create further instability and dependence on third-country capacities.
EU member states were called upon to repatriate their nationals, particularly children, from the al-Hol and al-Roj camps and to ensure that adult returnees face fair and lawful judicial proceedings.
Lawmakers expressed regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Iraq and urged the EU and its partners to intensify efforts to prevent any resurgence of Daesh that could threaten Syria, the wider region and Europe. They highlighted the decisive role played by Kurdish forces — including women combatants — in defeating the extremist group.
MEPs concluded that any future engagement with Syria must remain strictly conditional on verifiable progress in civilian protection, respect for the ceasefire, human rights and minority rights.
The resolution was adopted by 363 votes in favour, 71 against, with 81 abstentions. Photo by Dans, Wikimedia commons.