The UN human rights office reaffirmed its commitment to holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations in Syria, both past and present, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. International mechanisms, including the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, will continue their work of monitoring violations and gathering evidence, according to spokesperson Jeremy Laurence.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner, emphasized the importance of preserving evidence for future use and stressed that any political transition in Syria must ensure accountability for those who committed severe human rights abuses. He underscored that transitional justice will play a key role in the country’s recovery, as it is vital for rebuilding trust within communities and addressing the decades of pain endured by Syrians.
Laurence also highlighted the need for a future where human rights are equally respected and protected for all Syrians, with justice as the cornerstone for rebuilding the country. These remarks come as Syria faces a critical juncture in its political future, with international bodies continuing to monitor and address the human rights violations that have shaped the country’s recent history.
This commitment follows the dramatic end of Assad’s nearly 25-year rule, marked by the fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces on December 8, 2024. As the last vestiges of the Baath Party regime crumbled, key cities were seized in a swift offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, setting the stage for a new chapter in Syria’s complex and painful journey.
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