Women’s rights event in Damascus. Representative of the UN Human Rights Office: the situation in Syria is changing for the better Human Rights
For the first time in the country’s history, Syrians are preparing to publicly mark Human Rights Day next week, a small but significant step that the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says signals a “new chapter” in their engagement with authorities and gives millions of people waiting for change hope for the best.
In an interview with the UN News Service, OHCHR spokesman Mohammad Al-Nsour said that the situation in the country is improving a year after the fall of the Assad regime. “Every time we go to Damascus, we see a change,” he said.
The office was not allowed to work inside Syria for years, but an OHCHR team remains permanently in Damascus. Al-Nsour previously monitored the human rights situation remotely from Beirut.
Signs of progress
Syria still faces many challenges, including rebuilding the war-torn country and bringing to justice those responsible for crimes committed under and after the previous regime falls.
Al-Nsour noted that the security problem also remains extremely serious and recalled in particular the massacres in coastal areas of Syria earlier this year, including cases carried out by members of the security forces.
Nevertheless, in general, he said, the situation is developing “very constructively and positively.” the best,” he said. The government is receiving technical assistance from UN officials aimed at reforming legislation, strengthening human rights principles in law enforcement and improving the efficiency of public administration.
These steps, he noted, demonstrate a commitment to a future based on respect for human rights.
He stressed that one of the key benefits of having an OHCHR office inside the country is that its staff act “as consultants to the authorities.”
“Our goal is not to shame or blame any government, but to prevent violations,” Al-Nsour said.
Rights Day human
Preparations for the first ever celebration of Human Rights Day on December 10 are in full swing. The event, which almost coincides with the anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, is organized jointly by OHCHR and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Syria.”
Accountability and justice
For many Syrians, accountability remains a key demand. Following incidents in coastal areas in March, authorities established a National Investigative Committee, which received significant technical support from OHCHR. Some of the perpetrators have already been brought to justice.
Al-Nsour noted that the government has also agreed to extend the mandate of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, allowing for the continuation of independent international investigations not only of violations committed under the Assad regime, but also after its fall.
Voices of women and youth
OHCHR also supports women’s civil society organizations and promotes greater participation of women in political life. Al-Nsour said the authorities are open to such an approach.
The OHCHR representative stressed that the main source of hope for Syria is the Syrians themselves.
“The amazing thing about Syria is the resilience of its people,” he said. “There is hope in the amazing, educated young generation who are ready to participate in building a new Syria in the most positive way,” added the OHCHR representative.
Across the country, young people are launching their own initiatives, from cleaning public parks to supporting local services.
“They have seen what happened in other countries – in post-conflict situations in the region and outside of it – and are doing everything possible to go in the right direction,” said Al-Nsour