EU Parliament Warns Violence in North-East Syria Threatens Kurds, May Amount to War Crimes

Peregraf- The European Parliament has strongly condemned ongoing violence in north-east Syria, warning that abuses targeting civilians—particularly the Kurdish population—may amount to war crimes under international law.

In a resolution adopted by a wide majority, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) cited credible reports from the United Nations and international NGOs documenting extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, forced displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure. MEPs highlighted that many of these violations have disproportionately affected Kurds, including reports of desecrated corpses, vandalised burial sites and the use of unguided munitions in civilian areas.

Parliament stressed that stability in north-east Syria is essential for any just and inclusive political transition, underscoring that protecting Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity must include the full recognition of Kurdish civil, cultural and educational rights. MEPs said that equal rights and meaningful political participation for Kurds are indispensable for long-term stability, calling on Syria’s transitional authorities to enshrine these guarantees in the country’s future constitution while respecting Syria’s territorial integrity.

Welcoming the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian transitional government, MEPs reaffirmed their unwavering support for the ceasefire and urged all parties to uphold it. They also called on regional actors, including Türkiye, to refrain from military actions or support for armed groups that could undermine the truce.

The resolution expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in north-east Syria and urged the European Union to scale up humanitarian assistance, particularly for communities affected by displacement and violence. 

MEPs also warned of the continued threat posed by Daesh, stressing that any instability or weakening of local security could enable a resurgence of the extremist group. They highlighted the decisive role played by Kurdish forces—including women combatants—in defeating Daesh, and cautioned that shifting responsibility for detainees to Iraq could create new security risks.

Regretting the U.S. decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Iraq, Parliament called on the EU and its partners to intensify efforts to prevent a Daesh resurgence and to keep engagement with Syria strictly conditional on verifiable progress in civilian protection, human rights, minority rights and ceasefire compliance.

The resolution was adopted by 363 votes in favour, 71 against and 81 abstentions, sending a strong message of EU support for the protection of Kurds and other vulnerable communities in north-east Syria.