EDM 538: Peace, democracy and accountability in Syria

That this House welcomes the sudden collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria as a turning point for the country and the wider Middle East; acknowledges the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people under a dictator who employed chemical weapons, waged brutal campaigns against civilians, and suppressed calls for freedom; recognises that the fall of Assad represents a crucial opportunity for Syrians to rebuild their nation with peace, democracy, and justice at its core; calls on the Government to support the peaceful and orderly transition of power in Syria, ensuring that all minority groups, including Kurdish, Christian, Sunni, and Shia communities, are protected and their voices heard; further calls for free and fair elections to ultimately be held in accordance with international law, guided by the will of the Syrian people and not foreign interests; urges the UK to collaborate with regional partners to provide humanitarian aid, support the rebuilding of Syria’s institutions, and ensure accountability for the war crimes committed by the Assad regime; highlights the importance of the UK’s leadership in advocating for justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable; calls for the establishment of a comprehensive international effort to help rebuild Syria’s judicial and education systems, security forces, and essential services, ensuring that the country’s recovery reflects its multi-ethnic and multi-religious diversity; and reaffirms the UK’s commitment to a just, peaceful, and democratic future for Syria, rooted in human rights, equality, and the rule of law.