UN envoy for Syria voices concern about use of force, extensive violations under HTS rule

 

The UN special envoy for Syria has called on the ruling Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime to act with discipline, voicing concern about the use of force and accounts of extensive violations in the Arab country.

“A sovereign Syria must ultimately hold the monopoly on the legitimate use of force and operate under the rule of law,” Geir Pedersen told the UN Security Council on Monday.

Pedersen voiced concern about credible accounts of extensive violations and abuses occurring in Syria’s southwestern province of Suweida, which include summary executions, arbitrary killings, kidnappings, the destruction of private property, and the looting of homes.

He noted that among the reported perpetrators were HTS-affiliated militants.

“Sectarian incitement and abusive conduct, particularly during security operation,s is simply inexcusable. The state has a clear duty to act professionally and with discipline, even when under attack. It must take control of its forces and ensure visible accountability — key to rebuilding trust, enhancing security, and promoting unity,” the senior UN official said.

Syrians must feel that the ruling administration and its forces exist solely for their protection, Pedersen stated, emphasizing that “the gap between that policy and reality on the ground must close.”

Loyalty to the state “must be earned through a genuine process that builds a representative state, protects the rights of all, and embraces all segments of society as equal,” Pedersen pointed out.
The UN envoy also referred to the inclusiveness of the political transition, stating that “many Syrians express concern about centralized power, limited transparency, weak checks and balances, and insufficient means for genuine public consultation, participation and scrutiny.”

Pedersen then warned of the risk of “deepening feelings of exclusion and undermining belief in the transition.”

He said the formation of a People’s Assembly is a crucial step in the political transition, and is expected to take place in September.

“It is absolutely vital that all major Syrian groups and components are fully included as electors and candidates,” Pedersen said, emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in both sectors.

He said that the United Nations “is ready to do all it can to help, working with the authorities and all Syrians,” stressing that “the Syrian political transition simply cannot fail.”

Violence has escalated in Syria since the HTS, a former branch of al-Qaeda, along with other militants, seized control of Damascus on December 8, 2024, after former president Bashar al-Assad left the country.

The HTS administration has since been accused of flagrant violations of human rights in Syria, particularly against minorities, drawing widespread condemnations from the international community.