Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria visited from 1 to 7 July, engaging with victims, government officials, and civil society groups in regions such as Homs and Quneitra, following earlier visits to Damascus, Rural Damascus, Aleppo, Raqqa, and Hassakeh.
During the visit, commissioners condemned attacks involving improvised explosive devices in Damascus that caused civilian casualties, expressing solidarity with victims and their families. They recognized progress on transitional justice legislation and new trials addressing abuses under the former Assad regime, while emphasizing the need for fair trial guarantees and alignment of Syria's criminal code with international standards.
Detention remains a major concern. Despite government pledges to uphold detainees' rights, families continue to struggle tracing relatives held in custody, with many detained for extended periods without judicial review. The commission highlighted poor detention conditions in the northeast, particularly at Roj camp, where over 60% of detainees are children. It urged countries to repatriate their nationals and called on Syria to clarify the fate of about 3,500 Syrians reportedly transferred to Iraq.
In Hassakeh, investigators noted the release of more than 1,000 fighters captured during clashes between government troops and Syrian Democratic Forces earlier this year, while the whereabouts of about 800 others remain unknown.
Concerns about vigilante violence were reported in Homs, where attacks targeted those accused of serving the former government. The commission called for prompt, impartial investigations into all such killings. Property rights were also raised, focusing on conflict-related destruction and seizure of homes, with recommendations for fair compensation—especially for female-headed households.
In Quneitra, the commission continued investigating reported Israeli incursions, detentions, harassment, home demolitions, and restricted access to farmland. It urged Israel to restore road and land access and release civilians detained arbitrarily.