Syria at a Crossroads: UN Investigators Stress Justice and Preservation of Evidence

Introduction:
Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria faces the daunting challenge of navigating its path to recovery after more than five decades of authoritarian rule. Amid the monumental transition, a United Nations investigative mission has issued urgent recommendations to safeguard critical evidence of human rights violations committed since the civil war began in 2011. The focus lies on preserving mass grave sites and ensuring accountability for atrocities, while also emphasizing inclusive and democratic reconstruction efforts.

UN Mission to Syria: Preserving Evidence for Justice
In a historic first, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria gained access to the country, allowing investigators to visit former prisons and detention centres, including the infamous Sednaya and Military Intelligence Branch 235 prisons. This opportunity comes after years of being denied entry by the previous regime. The CoI team reported extensive damage to evidence and documentation at these sites. Many records that could have provided crucial information for tracing disappeared persons or supporting future trials were destroyed or removed. The investigators urged immediate measures to protect mass grave sites, warning against well-meaning but premature actions that could compromise long-term forensic efforts. The CoI recommended establishing a specialized unit to coordinate the protection of mass grave sites and related documents until professional forensic experts can conduct thorough assessments. Additionally, the team called for the return of any removed documents and discouraged interference by individuals or organizations in preserving evidence.

Broader Recommendations for Justice and Accountability:
Over 30 independent human rights experts, including Special Rapporteurs, issued a separate statement underscoring the need for unified international support to ensure Syria’s transition aligns with democratic principles and human rights. They emphasized that justice, reconciliation, and sovereignty are central to the nation’s recovery. The experts called for a credible judicial system to pursue accountability for crimes committed by all parties during the conflict. They stressed the importance of focusing on reparations and reconciliation rather than revenge, urging adherence to international human rights standards. Civil society organizations and human rights defenders must play an active role in this transition to ensure legitimacy and public trust.

Inclusive Reconstruction Efforts:
The experts highlighted the necessity of addressing the rights of marginalized groups, including women, children, minorities, and displaced persons, in rebuilding efforts. These groups have borne the brunt of the conflict and must be included in decision-making processes to ensure a sustainable recovery. While the political process must remain Syrian-led, the experts called on the international community to provide support without imposing external agendas or engaging in aggressive interference. They cautioned against repeating patterns of foreign interventions that turned Syria into the battleground of a prolonged proxy war.

Foreign Interventions and Their Impact:
The experts expressed grave concern over ongoing foreign military interventions, including unprovoked attacks and territorial incursions by Israel, such as its occupation of the Golan Heights. These actions threaten Syria’s sovereignty and pose significant obstacles to the country’s rehabilitation. “All foreign occupying forces should leave Syria immediately, and all territorial incursions and attacks must cease,” the experts demanded, emphasizing the importance of allowing Syria to recover without external disruptions.

The Way Forward:
The CoI reiterated its commitment to supporting the Syrian people in achieving justice, reconciliation, and accountability. As Syria stands at this critical juncture, the Commission urged the international community to cooperate in preserving evidence, addressing human rights violations, and rebuilding the nation based on democratic principles. The fall of the Assad regime presents an unprecedented opportunity for Syria to chart a new course. However, the road ahead requires coordinated efforts to secure justice, rebuild institutions, and provide a voice to all citizens, ensuring a future rooted in human rights and dignity for all Syrians.