UN: Int’l mechanisms will continue monitoring past, present human rights violations in Syria

Teams work on the uncovered mass grave, believed to contain the remains of civilians killed by the ousted Assad regime, on the road to Damascus International Airport in the Syrian capital Damascus on December 16, 2024. [Abdulkarem Al-Mohammad – Anadolu Agency]

The UN human rights office today underscored its commitment and that of other international mechanisms to ensuring accountability for past and present human rights violations in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.

“The High Commissioner [Volker Turk] has stated our office and other international mechanisms – including the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism – will work on monitoring and collecting information about past and present human rights violations and abuses, within the scope of their respective mandates,” spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told Anadolu.

“It is imperative that all evidence is collected and preserved meticulously for future use,” he said.

He added that Turk has stated that any political transition must ensure accountability for perpetrators of serious violations, and guarantee that those responsible are held to account.

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Laurence also stressed the importance of transitional justice as a cornerstone for Syria’s future.

“Transitional justice and community trust-building anchored in human rights will be a very important chapter in Syria’s future. This is the only way to address the immeasurable pain endured by individuals and families across the country for decades and to build a future in which the human rights of all Syrians will be equally respected, protected and fulfilled,” he said.

His remarks came as questions around accountability and justice remain central to discussions about Syria’s future political transition, with international mechanisms continuing to play a critical role in addressing such violations.

Bashar Al-Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on 8 December.

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