Syria announces national crime prevention strategy for 2026–2031

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab has announced a new national strategy for crime prevention and criminal justice, set to cover the period from 2026 to 2031. The announcement was made during the 15th United Nations Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Abu Dhabi.

The strategy aims to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, improve institutional coordination, and strengthen cooperation with authorities handling transitional justice and missing persons. A key component includes the establishment of national coordination mechanisms within the next 12 months to combat organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and cybercrime.

Khattab emphasized that Syria is working to rebuild law enforcement institutions based on the rule of law, human dignity, and public trust. The plan includes developing national capabilities in digital evidence, financial investigations, and cybercrime prevention, while ensuring that technological use remains within a legal framework that protects privacy. The strategy also focuses on victim and witness protection and addressing the socio-economic roots of crime.