Assad’s Reign Ends
Assad’s Reign Ends
After 24 years in power, Bashar Al Assad has been deposed, ending a tenure marked by crimes against humanity and war crimes committed against his own people. As Syrians turn to determine their future, accountability for the crimes that have characterized the Syrian conflict must take priority. Syria’s transition must be a transition in justice.
Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) has worked on Syria since 2017 with survivors and survivors’ groups seeking accountability, justice, and reparations for crimes committed during the conflict. For example, we have worked extensively with former detainees who faced torture and inhumane conditions in Syrian government detention centers. How these centers served as incubators for gender discrimination and gender violence, including rape, was mapped in our report, “It is Forever Stigma” – The Role of Gender Discrimination in the Syrian Government’s Detention and Torture System. Now presents an opportunity for those that were tortured and the families of those that were killed in Syrian government detention to seek justice for these crimes.
One prospect for accountability to survivors continues to be at the International Criminal Court (ICC). In partnership with the Syrian Forum and on behalf of 37 Syrians who were victims of detention, torture, and indiscriminate attacks that forced them to flee their homes for Jordan, we have long led the call for the ICC to investigate cross-border crimes against humanity in Jordan-Syria. In the wake of the fall of the Assad government, ICC States Parties are in a critical position to refer the situation in Jordan-Syria to the Court. With Assad out of Syria and out of power, his arrest and trial before the Court is a real possibility that could provide reprieve for the millions that faced his government’s abuses.
Families and friends of the disappeared now have an opportunity to determine the truth, fate, and whereabouts of their loved ones. LAW represents 41 families of disappeared and works in partnership with many survivors’ groups on the issue. Today marks the first tangible opportunity to learn the truth about what has happened to the disappeared. As detainees pour out of government detention centers across the country, the fate of so many will become clear. This presents a critical opportunity for justice.
“Today, what is next for Syria is unclear. However, what is clear is that its future will be determined by its people. It is hoped that this future will be characterized by a strong commitment to transitional justice, a dignified return for those that have fled for their safety, and accountability for crimes committed by all parties to the conflict. Our thoughts are with survivors of the crimes of the Assad government and their loved ones as they embark on the path forward.” shared Antonia Mulvey, Executive Director of LAW.
Syria now sits on the precipice of a new future, one that can be peaceful and just for all. LAW will continue to encourage such a future, supporting all survivors their path forward.
