Relationship dossier
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Syria
Relationship assessment
Dutch accountability efforts and support for Syrian opposition and humanitarian initiatives have contributed to strained relations.
Kingdom of the Netherlands toward Syria
-35The Netherlands pursued a case against Syria at the International Court of Justice under the Convention against Torture, alleging violations by the Syrian government. It has also supported Syrian opposition and humanitarian efforts, placing Dutch policy at odds with Damascus.
Syria toward Kingdom of the Netherlands
-15The Syrian government has contested Dutch allegations of torture in the context of the International Court of Justice proceedings. Details of broader Syrian government conduct toward the Netherlands are limited.
Overall relationship
-30The relationship has been shaped by Dutch legal action over alleged Syrian government torture and Dutch support for opposition and humanitarian efforts during the Syrian conflict. These features create a strained bilateral structure, while the extent of direct government cooperation is less clear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
The Netherlands has pursued accountability for alleged Syrian government torture through proceedings at the International Court of Justice and has supported Syrian opposition and humanitarian efforts. These policies have contributed to sustained friction. The bilateral picture also includes gaps concerning Syria’s response to Dutch initiatives and the scope of direct government cooperation.
Areas of tension
- Dutch legal proceedings against Syria over alleged torture
- Dutch support for Syrian opposition during the conflict
Key developments
The Netherlands initiated proceedings against Syria at the International Court of Justice under the Convention against Torture.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and implementation of direct Dutch-Syrian government cooperation are unclear.
- Details of the Syrian government’s response to Dutch legal and diplomatic initiatives are limited.