Dutch parliament adopts resolutions to support Syrian communities and demand accountability for atrocities against minorities

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — In a move addressing Syria’s protracted crisis, Dutch Parliament adopted two resolutions on Wednesday, one calling for dedicated humanitarian aid for Syrian communities and the other urging strengthened mechanisms for accountability and support for international investigative efforts. 

Syria has witnessed persistent turmoil since the downfall of the Ba’ath regime in December. Many countries, particularly in Europe, have expressed reservations about how the new transitional authorities approach the diverse Syrian communities. Against this backdrop, Dutch Parliament acted on a proposal put forward by Syriac Member of Dutch Parliament Isa Kahraman, advocating for targeted humanitarian support to Syria’s vulnerable populations. The resolution highlighted the heavy reliance of many Syrians on humanitarian assistance, noting that aid often fails to reach communities such as Christians and Alawites. 

The resolution urged the Dutch government to work within the European framework to ensure direct humanitarian aid to Syria’s communities, including Christians, Alawites, Druze, Kurds, and others. Christians in Syria are majority Greek (Rûm) Orthodox, Melkite Greek Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Syriac Catholic. 

In another decision, the Parliament passed a resolution calling for enhanced accountability and bolstered international investigative mechanisms. This proposal was jointly presented by MPs Isa Kahraman (New Social Contract), Chris Stoffer (SGP), and Jan Paternotte (Democrats 66). The resolution emphasized that violations against Syrian communities persist, with transitional Syrian authorities claiming to prosecute offenders, yet lacking tangible steps toward accountability. 

The resolution referenced statements from Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, expressing a commitment to building an inclusive society and emphasizing the presence of international investigative frameworks monitoring human rights conditions in Syria. The Dutch Parliament called on its government to provide financial support for international offices and mechanisms, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and evidence-gathering initiatives through the UN’s Internationa, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism. 

These resolutions represent a significant effort to address the urgent needs of Syrian communities and ensure the promotion of justice and accountability amidst the nation’s evolving landscape. 

De Tweede Kamer heeft twee van mijn moties aangenomen: één om specifiek hulp te bieden aan minderheden in Syrië en één om het mechanisme te versterken dat mensenrechtenschendingen in kaart brengt. Daardoor krijgen kwetsbare groepen extra steun van de internationale gemeenschap. pic.twitter.com/FZfZoJzsnT

— Isa Kahraman (@isakahraman) April 16, 2025