Syria Marks Human Rights Day Amid Fragile Signs of Hope

Women participate in a community empowerment session in Damascus, Syria.

For the first time in the country’s history, Syrians are preparing to publicly mark Human Rights Day next week—a small but meaningful step that UN human rights officials say signals a “new chapter” in their engagement with the authorities, and a cautiously optimistic moment for millions seeking change.

Coinciding with the anniversary of the collapse of the former regime, “things are improving,” Mohammad Al Nsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section at OHCHR, told UN News. “Every time we go to Damascus, we can see the change.”

OHCHR—blocked from operating inside Syria for many years—now has a team permanently deployed in Damascus. For Mr. Al Nsour, this marks a significant turning point after a long period of monitoring human rights conditions remotely from Beirut.

“The former government denied access to OHCHR,” he recalled, speaking from Geneva. “We tried many times, but now it is a great advantage to be on the ground,” he added.

Signs of progress

Syria continues to face pressing priorities: rebuilding a war-damaged country, addressing remaining grievances, and achieving justice for past and present violations.

Insecurity remains an alarming concern—from the northeast to Sweida and the coastal areas affected by mass killings earlier this year, including actions by members of government security forces. Yet, Mr. Al Nsour insisted the overall direction is “very constructive and positive.”

“There is a political will from the government to improve,” he said, emphasising daily engagement between OHCHR and the authorities. The government has been receiving technical assistance from UN officials aimed at reforming legislation, strengthening human rights in law enforcement institutions, and improving public administration.

He stressed that having an office inside the country functions “as an advisor to the authorities.”

“We monitor, report, and use advocacy to alert the authorities of violations in order to prevent them. Our purpose is not to shame or blame any government, but to prevent violations.”

Symbolic change

Preparations are under way for Syria’s first-ever Human Rights Day celebration on 10 December, only two days after the first anniversary of the Assad regime’s fall. The event is co-organised by OHCHR and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the theme: A human rights approach to reconstruction.

Mr. Al Nsour said the celebration will mark “a new chapter in our relationship with the Syrian government,” with discussions on “how to advance the human rights agenda in the new Syria.”

Accountability and justice

For many Syrians, accountability remains central. After violent incidents in the coastal region last March, the authorities established a National Investigative Committee, with significant technical advice from OHCHR, and some perpetrators are now being tried before a national court.

The Government also accepted the renewal of the UN Commission of Inquiry’s mandate, enabling continued independent investigations of violations committed under the Assad regime and since its fall. Transitional justice will be a priority for 2026.

“There is a need not only for accountability,” he said, “but also truth-telling, reparations, and national reconciliation.”

Women’s voices and youth engagement

OHCHR is supporting women-led civil society organisations and promoting greater women’s representation in political institutions. It is also empowering these organisations through advocacy training and connecting them with international human rights mechanisms.

Mr. Al Nsour emphasised that the greatest source of hope for Syria is Syrians themselves.

“What gives you hope is this amazing, educated young generation willing to engage with the new Syria positively,” he said. Young people have launched grassroots initiatives—from cleaning public parks to supporting local services—small acts that rebuild a sense of community after conflict.

A long road ahead

Financial pressures remain, but donors have shown “very positive indications” of increased funding for Syria. “There is great interest from major donors to promote human rights in the new Syria,” he explained.

Despite many hurdles, the determination of Syrians to rebuild their country, grounded in human rights, is evident. As Syrians mark Human Rights Day this year, perhaps the clearest message is that progress, however fragile, is finally visible—and hope is rising with it.