Children in Aleppo, Syria, wait for their share of food. Justice in Syria: Head of UN Mechanism concludes historic visit to the country International Law
Achieving justice in Syria requires preserving evidence of crimes, avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring that all victims are equally represented in the process, says Robert Petit, head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria.
Petit completed the Mechanism’s first-ever visit to Syria, which coincided with its establishment eight years ago. It was the first time that the UN body had formally engaged in dialogue with Syrian officials.
The international, impartial and independent Mechanism — Syria was established in December 2016 by the General Assembly to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.
Preserve the evidence
The Head of the Mechanism stressed the importance of preserving evidence of crimes committed over the past 14 years and ensuring justice for victims.
Following meetings with representatives of the interim authorities, Petit visited a site of particular interest to the investigations. He noted that the vast amount of documentation demonstrated “the cold-blooded efficiency of the regime’s systematic crimes.”
Petit stressed the urgency of taking action to preserve the evidence before it is lost forever.
“Time is running out. We have a short window to preserve this material. Every day that we delay brings us closer to losing the opportunity for comprehensive accountability,” he said.
Joint efforts
During his visit, the head of the Mechanism met with Syrians affected by the conflict, including those who recently returned to the country from exile. Their testimonies confirm the urgent need to establish the truth and seek justice.
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Petit noted that this is only possible through the joint efforts of all stakeholders: “No single organization can accomplish this task alone. We need to unite the efforts of Syrians, civil society and international partners. We must work to preserve evidence, avoid duplication of efforts and ensure that all victims are equally represented in the process of achieving justice.”