The Independent Commission of International Inquiry (CoI) team on Syria visited former prisons and detention centres, including the infamous Sednaya prison and the Military Intelligence Service 235 prison.
This is the first time the team has been able to access Syria, as the former regime had rejected all previous requests to collect evidence.
that The team was disappointed to see that much of the evidence and documents had been damaged, stolen or destroyed. – Information that, in some cases, can help families track down missing loved ones.
“Maximum care must be taken to protect mass graves and all documents and evidence throughout Syria.“He warned that well-intentioned but hasty actions by individuals or organizations can hinder long-term forensic efforts.
Urgent Recommendations
The Committee recommends the establishment of a specialized unit to coordinate the protection and preservation of mass graves and related documents until they can be assessed by forensic experts.
Independent rights experts urge authorities to curb interference and return documents already removed. Many national and international rights groups and organizations have provided support to secure evidence and support the families of the missing.
“It is an important point in Syrian history, At a time of great expectations for the Syrian people, the Committee reiterates its full solidarity with the entire Syrian people. “We are ready to support you in every possible capacity.”
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, has the authority to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law that have occurred in Syria since March 2011.
Rights experts call for a comprehensive reorganization.
Separately, a group of more than 30 independent human rights experts, including the Special Rapporteur, emphasized the need for unified international support to ensure that Syria’s transition is based on democratic principles and human rights.
They emphasized that justice, reconciliation, and respect for Syrian sovereignty are paramount to the country’s recovery after the collapse of the Assad regime.
Experts stressed the importance of maintaining a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process while addressing the rights of marginalized groups, including women, children, minorities and displaced people.
‘Trustworthy’ system
“Justice must be pursued for every crime committed, regardless of who the perpetrator is; Through a credible judicial system that focuses on accountability, redress, and reconciliation, not vengeance.“The experts said.
“It is important that these processes fully comply with international human rights standards. “The participation of civil society and human rights defenders in a just transition is critical to increasing the credibility of the process,” they added.
Cooperation, not aggression
Experts urge the international community to support Syria’s reconstruction process while keeping it free from foreign interference or attacks, warning that Syria has endured major foreign intervention, turning the country into a site of a widespread and protracted proxy war. .
Ongoing military interventions, such as Israel’s recent unprovoked and illegal attacks (seizing more Syrian territory in the Golan Heights and other airstrikes and incursions into northeastern and central Syria), are serious obstacles to effective reconstruction.
“All foreign occupation forces must leave Syria, and all territorial incursions and attacks must stop without delay.“The experts said.
independent expert
Experts included several special rapporteurs and working groups on key rights issues appointed and mandated by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council.
They are not UN employees, do not receive a salary, and serve in a private capacity independent of the UN Secretariat.
