DAMASCUS/GENEVA - The Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic visited Syria this week, ahead of its briefing to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 13 March.
During their visit, Commissioners Monia Ammar and Fionnuala Ní Aoláin met with senior government officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Information, and the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, as well as with a broad range of civil society actors and victims and the diplomatic community to hear about the situation in the country.
"Recognizing the complexity of the Syrian transition, we appreciated the Government's positive engagement and our open discussions on the Commission's work and recommendations, to ensure accountability for grave violations of the past and to address violations that have occurred recently," said Ammar. "Implementing the recommendations of the Commission's report on the violence on the coast on transparency, accountability, security sector reform, and engagement with impacted communities is key to upholding the rule of law, the rights of victims and building trust."
In meetings with National Commissions, the Commissioners stressed the vital role of these bodies in fulfilling Syrians' expectations, particularly related to respecting fundamental human rights, accountability and justice efforts, and offered its support.
"It is vital to address the systematic violations of human rights committed during the Assad era," stressed Ní Aoláin. "There can be no impunity for the mass atrocities committed during the conflict and building a legal system capable of fairly addressing the past, while also tackling more recent violations, is essential for a rights-respecting future."
Taking note of some of the barriers and fears expressed by civil society in this transitional moment, the Commissioners underscored the importance of creating conditions that enable civil society to thrive.
"It was truly heartening to see so many civil society organizations now operating in Syria, including those returning from exile," said Ammar. "Syrian civil society has been the main driver of innovation to address human rights and accountability during the previous conflict, and they can play a vital role also in fostering reconciliation and rebuilding trust when they are embraced and can operate without restriction."
The spike in regional violence following the Israeli and United States attack on Iran has also impacted Syria, including through falling debris from intercepted rockets that has killed and injured civilians. The Commissioners expressed their profound concerns about direct Israeli activity in southern Syria, stretching attention and State resources from addressing the myriad challenges within Syria.
The Commissioners' meetings with the diplomatic community in Damascus focused on support to the fragile transition.
"The end of the Assad era brought immense hope for a better future," said Ní Aoláin. "Now more than a year into the transition, it is incumbent on the government to ensure that the new Syria will be defined by the equal protection of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights for all. In this regard, we call on the international community to match commitments with funding and investment in reconstruction and in vital sectors such as education, law enforcement and the judiciary,"
Lastly, the Commission of Inquiry confirms that its annual report and its special report on the violence in Suwayda will be published later this month.
