The European Parliament has issued a warning that ongoing violence in north-east Syria could constitute war crimes. In a resolution adopted on February 12, 2026, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) highlighted reports from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations documenting abuses such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure. The resolution noted that these acts may amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law and, in some instances, war crimes.
Parliament specifically referenced recent abuses against the Kurdish population, including desecration of corpses, vandalism of burial grounds, and use of unguided munitions in areas populated by civilians. MEPs voiced concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in the region and called for increased humanitarian aid from the European Union.
The resolution also welcomed an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian transitional government. Parliament stated: “Parliament reaffirms its strong support for the ceasefire and for the recognition of Kurdish civil and educational rights, and urges all parties to uphold existing arrangements.” MEPs urged regional actors such as Türkiye to avoid undermining the ceasefire through military action or by supporting armed groups.
On the subject of Syria’s diverse communities, MEPs emphasized: “Stability in north-east Syria is essential for a comprehensive, inclusive and just political transition.” They called on Syrian authorities to protect all communities—including Arabs, Kurds, Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, Christians, Druze, and Yazidis—and stressed that equal rights and political participation for Kurds are necessary for stability. The resolution urged that these guarantees be included in Syria’s constitution while maintaining territorial integrity.
MEPs expressed concern over escaped Daesh fighters from detention centers in north-east Syria. They warned against shifting responsibility for detainees to Iraq due to possible uncertainty about third countries’ capacities or willingness to manage them. Parliament called on EU member states to repatriate their nationals—especially children—from camps such as al-Hol and al-Roj and ensure adults face fair trials.
The decision by the United States to withdraw troops from Syria and Iraq was met with regret by MEPs. They urged EU countries and partners to increase efforts to prevent any resurgence of Daesh that could threaten both Syria and Europe. The resolution recognized “the decisive role of Kurdish forces, including women combatants,” in combating Daesh.
According to Parliament: “Any engagement with Syria… must remain conditional on verifiable progress in civilian protection, ceasefire compliance, human rights and minority rights.”
The resolution passed with 363 votes in favor, 71 against, and 81 abstentions.
