The United Nations (U.N.) body responsible for investigating serious crimes in Syria has announced that the country’s new authorities have shown a positive attitude towards its cooperation requests during a recent visit to Damascus. This news comes as a ray of hope amidst the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has claimed countless lives and devastated the country.
The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which was established in 2011, has been working tirelessly to document and investigate human rights violations and war crimes committed in the country. Its latest visit to Syria, from July 26 to August 1, aimed at strengthening cooperation with the new authorities and gathering evidence for future prosecutions.
In a press statement released on Monday, the Commission stated that the Syrian government had shown a “very receptive” attitude towards their requests for access to detention facilities, official documents, and witnesses. This positive response from the new authorities is a significant step towards ensuring accountability for the crimes committed in Syria.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Paulo Pinheiro, expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation shown by the Syrian government. He said, “We were very pleased with the level of cooperation and access granted to us during our visit. This is a positive development and a crucial step towards achieving justice for the victims of the conflict.”
The Commission’s visit to Syria was the first since President Bashar al-Assad was re-elected in May 2021, securing a fourth term in office. The new government has been facing immense pressure from the international community to address the human rights situation in the country and hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.
During their visit, the Commission met with various government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faisal Mekdad, and the Minister of Justice, Hisham al-Shaar. They also had meetings with representatives from the National Reconciliation Committee, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, and civil society organizations.
The Commission also visited detention facilities and met with detainees to gather first-hand information on the conditions and treatment of prisoners. This visit is crucial as it provides the Commission with valuable evidence that can be used in future prosecutions.
The Syrian government has been accused of widespread human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons, torture, and forced disappearances. The Commission’s work is essential in ensuring that those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable.
The Commission’s report on their recent visit to Syria will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council in September. The report will outline their findings and recommendations for action, including possible avenues for accountability.
The international community has welcomed the positive response from the Syrian government towards the Commission’s requests. The European Union’s spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Peter Stano, stated, “The fact that the Syrian government has granted access to the Commission of Inquiry is a positive step. It is crucial to ensure accountability for the serious crimes committed in Syria.”
The United States has also welcomed the Syrian government’s cooperation with the Commission. The State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, said, “We hope that this cooperation continues, and the Syrian government takes concrete steps to address the human rights situation in the country.”
The Commission’s latest visit to Syria and the positive response from the new authorities are a glimmer of hope for the people of Syria. It is a significant step towards achieving justice for the victims of the conflict and ensuring that such atrocities are not repeated in the future.
The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria’s work is crucial in documenting and investigating the human rights situation in the country. Their efforts must be supported and encouraged by the international community to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.
As the world continues to witness the ongoing conflict in Syria, it is essential to remember the victims and their families, and the urgent need for justice and accountability. The Commission’s recent visit and the positive response from the Syrian government is a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark situation. Let us hope that this cooperation continues and leads to tangible results in the pursuit of justice for the people of Syria.
