New Dutch Report Documents Deterioration of Situation in Syria, Relies on Syrian Network for Human Rights as Main Source

A report issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently revealed the ongoing deterioration of security and humanitarian conditions in Syria, focusing on human rights violations and the challenges facing refugee return. The report, covering the period from November 2024 to April 2025, serves as a key reference in assessing Syrian asylum applications.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights featured prominently in the report, with its reports cited in 160 instances, making it the second most quoted source after the UN High Commissioner for Refugees mentioned 174 times. The report also relied on other international sources such as Human Rights Watch, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and UNICEF.

The report documented the fall of the Assad regime after an attack by opposition factions, leading to Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia and the collapse of security institutions. Despite the formation of a transitional government, it has been unable to establish control over all Syrian territory, with areas of influence still divided among multiple factions supported by regional and international powers.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented the killing of 1,562 civilians in March alone, including children, women, and medical workers, along with 880 cases of arbitrary detention and deaths due to torture. The report also highlighted the continued sectarian violence in some areas, the weakness of the judicial system, and the absence of fair trial guarantees.

The report affirmed that the current conditions in Syria do not allow for the safe return of refugees, due to ongoing violence, the spread of mines, infrastructure collapse, and the absence of legal guarantees. It also warned of the risks faced by returnees, especially with the proliferation of military checkpoints and mistreatment of civilians.

The report shed light on the significant collapse in basic services such as health and education, the rise in poverty rates and unemployment. It also criticized the lack of accountability mechanisms and transitional justice, allowing human rights violations to continue with perpetrators evading punishment.

The report concluded by emphasizing the need for international action to ensure the protection of civilians and achieve justice, calling for support for efforts aimed at reconstruction and creating conditions for the voluntary and safe return of refugees. The Syrian Network for Human Rights expressed its commitment to continue documenting and collaborating with international organizations to achieve these goals.