This is the EU's chance to support a better future for Syrians

Closed shops, bread lines, neighborhoods reduced to rubble for over a decade, residents recovering from years of war and trauma — this is what Human Rights Watch researchers saw on recent visits to Damascus, our first in 15 years.

While Syrians spoke of their hopes for a better future following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December, fear was also palpable, particularly among minorities and those vulnerable to retaliation, and they left with a sense of foreboding about what could be coming next.

The country’s political and economic collapse, the proliferation of armed groups, and the sheer scale of devastation would be daunting enough. Now, mass summary killings and atrocities in the coastal region have made it clear that the road ahead is even more perilous.

Without urgent international action, Syria risks sliding into renewed cycles of violence and instability. Europe is uniquely placed to support Syrians’ aspirations for justice and respect for human rights.

But its timing and level of ambition will be key. This should be the European Union’s message at the Brussels Conference on Syria next Monday.

Protecting civilians a matter of utmost urgency

Given the violence and atrocities since last Thursday, it is a matter of utmost urgency for the international community, including Europe, to take steps to ensure the protection of civilians by providing technical and financial support to build a responsible, accountable, disciplined security sector and judiciary that upholds the rule of law.

The EU should also engage with authorities to ensure that independent investigators, including international mechanisms and civil society groups, can do their job properly and without obstacles.

Cooperation with the UN Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, including permission for them to open offices in Syria, would be key first steps.

The EU is also well-placed to provide support and expertise to lay the groundwork for credible, comprehensive transitional justice and accountability processes, and to encourage authorities to join the International Criminal Court.

The EU should also actively address other sources of tensions, including in the northeast with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, with which an integration agreement into Syria’s institutions was signed on Monday, and effectively press Israel to refrain from violations and threats of abuses in southwest Syria.

Addressing these foundational problems is only part of the challenge to achieve lasting stability. Syrians also face an economic collapse of staggering proportions. Driving through Damascus – and knowing conditions are even harsher beyond the capital – offered a stark reminder of the devastation years of conflict and oppression have wrought.

With 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line and half of the population unable to access or afford enough quality food, the scale of humanitarian need is overwhelming.

Redouble and speed up efforts to help Syria

Western countries should realise that continued international sanctions are hampering Syria’s recovery and Syrians’ access to basic services. The EU’s recent suspension of sanctions in some key sectors, like energy and transport, and easing of those on its financial sector, has been a good step but more is needed.

The EU should urgently lead efforts to prevent over-compliance with sanctions that harm ordinary Syrians and assess the impact of remaining EU sanctions, including on banking and dual-use materials, on Syrians’ economic and social rights.

The EU should also offer a very clear and public roadmap to Syrian authorities on the steps needed to lift remaining sanctions.

Finally, the EU should closely coordinate and press other sanctioning entities, especially the US, to follow suit. While it might be tempting to use sectoral sanctions as political leverage, they are not the most effective or fair tool for supporting Syrians’ aspirations for justice and recovery.

Especially without specific benchmarks, such sanctions risk becoming a blunt instrument that prolongs suffering rather than fosters positive and meaningful change.

Meanwhile, discussions by Human Rights Watch team in Damascus revealed limited space for civil society to operate in Syria, affecting both groups providing aid or willing to play a role in the country’s transition.

Colleagues told us about restrictions and administrative obstacles to their work, including re-registration and other requirements that resemble those in place under al-Assad. More openness to the work of independent groups should be a key message for the EU to articulate.

The EU should also make commitments to those who found protection in Europe or who may still seek it out. EU ministers have rightly supported allowing Syrian refugees to undertake go-and-see-visits without losing their legal status. The Commission and every member state should make allowing these visits a priority.

The fall of al-Assad brought a mixture of hope and uncertainty for millions of Syrians at home or in exile. If the EU and its members are truly committed to helping Syrians to break with decades of repression and impunity, they should redouble and speed up efforts to assist Syria and make it clear to Syrians they will support their rights and well-being.

Philippe Dam is EU Director, Advocacy, at Human Rights Watch.