Syria Crisis: Preserving Evidence of Crimes Becomes ‘Key Priority’ for UN Investigators
December 17, 2024
United Nations: Preserving evidence of war crimes and other atrocities committed during the ongoing conflict in Syria has emerged as a paramount objective for United Nations investigators.
In a recent report presented to the UN Security Council, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (IIC-SAR) emphasized the crucial importance of safeguarding evidence for future accountability and justice.
Systematic Documentation of Crimes
The Commission, which has been mandated to investigate human rights violations in Syria since 2011, has meticulously documented a wide range of crimes committed by all parties to the conflict. These crimes include:
- Massacres
- Torture
- Sexual violence
- Use of chemical weapons
- Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances
Challenges in Evidence Preservation
Preserving evidence in the midst of an ongoing conflict poses significant challenges. The Commission has encountered obstacles in accessing certain areas, particularly those controlled by non-state armed groups. Additionally, the deliberate destruction or removal of evidence has been a concern.
Cooperation from Member States
To effectively preserve evidence, the Commission has urged member states to cooperate fully with its investigations. This includes providing access to witnesses, documents, and other relevant materials.
Long-Term Accountability
The Commission stressed that preserving evidence is not only important for immediate justice but also for the long-term accountability of those responsible for the heinous crimes committed in Syria.
“Evidence of these crimes must be preserved for future generations, for the victims and their families, and for history,” said Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the IIC-SAR.
International Support
The Commission called for international support in facilitating the preservation of evidence. This could involve the establishment of an international evidence repository or a specialized team dedicated to evidence collection and analysis.
Calls for Ceasefire and Access
To ensure the effective preservation of evidence, the Commission urged all parties to the conflict to implement a permanent ceasefire and grant humanitarian organizations and human rights monitors unimpeded access to all areas of Syria.
Conclusion
Preserving evidence of crimes committed during the Syria conflict is essential for both current and future accountability. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic has prioritized this task, emphasizing the need for cooperation from member states, international support, and a conducive environment for evidence collection. Only through the preservation of robust evidence can the pursuit of justice and the healing process for the victims of the Syrian crisis truly begin.
Syria crisis: ‘Key priority’ is preserving evidence of crimes, say UN investigators
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