The rise of a new government in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 has brought promises of reform, yet the reality for human rights remains contentious. This piece considers the complex interplay between legislative reforms and persistent human rights challenges in post-Assad Syria.

Human Rights Legislation and Reforms

Since assuming power, the new Syrian government has enacted several laws ostensibly aimed at enhancing human rights protections. One notable example is Decree No. 20 of 2023, which introduced measures to curb arbitrary detention and improve access to fair trials. This decree aligns with Syria’s obligations under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Efforts to address gender inequality have also surfaced. In 2024, the government amended the personal status law to grant women greater rights in marriage, divorce, and custody. While these changes mark progress, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, and societal resistance persists, limiting the impact on everyday lives.

Accountability and Transitional Justice

A critical test for the new government lies in its approach to accountability for past human rights abuses. Despite calls from international bodies like the United Nations (UN) Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, domestic initiatives remain limited. Trials of former officials under universal jurisdiction in European courts, such as the landmark Koblenz case, contrast starkly with the lack of domestic prosecutions.

The government’s reluctance to establish a comprehensive transitional justice mechanism has drawn criticism. Proposals for a truth and reconciliation commission—a key recommendation of the UN—have yet to materialize, leaving survivors without a clear path to justice and reconciliation.

Displacement and Property Rights

Syria’s handling of property rights for displaced persons remains a significant human rights challenge. Law No. 10 of 2018, which allows for the redevelopment of land but has been criticized for enabling expropriations, continues to affect returnees. The law No.10 allows the government to redesignate the development zones. People who want to continue to own their homes at all must produce property deeds within a short period (often 30 days). But this requirement is impossible for displaced Syrians, especially abroad or in opposition-held areas:

First, because documents to show ownership of their property becoming lost or destroyed because of the war. Secondly, there is no way back to reclaim land as risks to personal safety, ‘no return’ areas, or administrative obstacles all prevent people filing claims for compensation on site. Thirdly, this legal regime means a kind of creeping expropriation: anyone unable to meet its requirements loses his ownership and the land then goes to regime-affiliated developers. Thus many of those returning find their former homes have been demolished or handed over to loyalists. Finally, Amendments under the new government, aimed at simplifying claims processes, have failed to address underlying discrimination, particularly against marginalized groups such as internally displaced persons, ethnic minorities, and women.

International organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, have emphasized the need for transparent and inclusive mechanisms to resolve disputes. Without such reforms, displaced Syrians face significant barriers to returning home.

International Relations and Sanctions

The government’s approach to human rights is closely tied to its international standing. Sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union remain a contentious issue, with humanitarian organizations warning of their impact on civilian populations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for greater exemptions to facilitate humanitarian aid, emphasizing the principle of “do no harm” in international law.

Diplomatic efforts, such as those under the Geneva process, have sought to link economic support to tangible human rights improvements. However, progress has been slow, with political divisions undermining coordinated international action.

Conclusion

The human rights landscape under Syria’s new government is marked by contradictions. Legislative reforms signal potential progress, yet systemic challenges and enforcement gaps undermine their effectiveness.

For meaningful change, the government must prioritize transparency, accountability, and alignment with international legal standards. The international community, too, has a role to play, leveraging diplomatic and economic tools to support sustainable human rights improvements.