After nearly 15 years at the helm of one of the United Nations’ most prominent investigative bodies, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro has stepped down as chair of the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria.
His departure marks the end of a chapter that began in the early months of the Syrian conflict and spanned some of the most turbulent years in the country’s modern history.
The Brazilian academic and veteran human rights expert had led the commission since its establishment by the U.N. Human Rights Council in August 2011.
During his tenure, the body produced dozens of reports documenting alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed by various actors throughout the Syrian conflict and especially by the Assad regime.
Witness to Syria’s long conflict
