“Everything is by the Power of the Weapon”
Abuses and Impunity in Turkish-Occupied Northern Syria
While the Syrian government, with its allies’ support, has regained significant territory using tactics that violate the laws of war, areas under its control also are rife with abuse. Security services arbitrarily arrest and torture hundreds, and millions are going hungry due to the government’s diversion of aid, its failure to equitably address a crippling economic crisis, and international sanctions. In Idlib, despite a ceasefire, the Syrian-Russian military alliance still poses a threat to over 3 million civilians trapped there, while the dominant Islamist armed group, Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham, restricts their freedoms. In Turkish-occupied territories, Turkey and local factions are abusing civilians’ rights with impunity. Following ISIS’s territorial defeat in northeast Syria, Kurdish-led authorities and the US-led coalition have yet to provide compensation for civilian casualties, offer support for identifying the fate of those kidnapped by ISIS, or justly address the tens of thousands that are trapped in camps and prisons, leading to a deteriorating security situation and risks of re-radicalization. Economic crises have had debilitating effects on living conditions across the country.
July 18, 2024
July 4, 2024
Abuses and Impunity in Turkish-Occupied Northern Syria
Syrian, Russia Forces Also Use Incendiary Weapons
Attacks Exacerbate Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis for Millions
Male Guardianship Rules Hamper Travel, Other Movement
Limited Opportunity to Challenge Deportation Orders
Victims Testify in Torture, Enforced Disappearance Case
Unlawful Deportations, Detention, Mistreatment
No Access to Livelihoods; Dangerous Smuggling to Reach other Areas of Syria
Cross-Border Counter-Smuggling Operations Kill Syrians
Confirm Yusuf Zahab’s Identity; Urgently Bring Home All Detained Australians
Türkiye Bears Responsibility for Turkish and Proxy Forces’ Actions
Investigations into Abuses in Sudan, Ukraine, Syria, and Elsewhere at Risk
Critical Infrastructure Damaged, Millions Without Access to Essential Services