GENEVA

The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria on Friday welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the YPG terror group, operating under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and urged continued efforts to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access in northeast Syria.

"We welcome efforts to bring stability to the region and now hope for a complete end to hostilities and a sustainable resolution, including to the humanitarian crisis," commission chair Paulo Pinheiro said in a statement, citing urgent needs for food, water, and electricity.

The commission called on all parties to strictly respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure amid ongoing tensions.

The inquiry warned that winter conditions, combined with shortages of basic services, pose severe risks to displaced populations, particularly children. It also raised concerns over detainees, including thousands of children held in camps and detention facilities.

"We urge the Syrian authorities now controlling the area to facilitate the voluntary, safe and dignified return home of the approximate 16,500 Syrian women and children still held there, many having been unlawfully deprived of their liberty by the SDF for nearly seven years," said commissioner Fionnuala Ni Aolain.

The Syrian government and the terrorist organization YPG, operating under SDF, on Friday reached a new comprehensive agreement that includes a ceasefire and a framework for the group’s gradual integration into military and administrative structures.

The Syrian Army launched an operation against the YPG on Jan. 16 in areas west of the Euphrates River. The operation later expanded east of the river with the participation of tribal forces, leading to most of the territories previously occupied by the group coming under government control.

A previous ceasefire and full integration agreement reached on Jan. 18 between Damascus and the YPG included provisions for the group’s full withdrawal from the eastern provinces of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, the transfer of public institutions in Hasakah to state authority, the placement of all border crossings and energy resources under central government control, and the individual integration of YPG elements into security forces.

Clashes resumed on Jan. 19 after the YPG refused to comply with the agreement. The Syrian government announced on Jan. 20 that it had declared a ceasefire and granted the group four days to proceed with integration.