UN: Justice and accountability key to Syria’s future

Speaking during the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pinheiro welcomed the establishment of the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission on the Missing. He noted that these developments represent a serious beginning toward uncovering the fate of more than 100,000 missing and forcibly disappeared persons, as well as documenting the grave violations committed over past decades.

He added that these initiatives reflect the Syrian authorities’ intent to reconcile with the victims’ collective memory and acknowledge their suffering through institutional mechanisms aimed at ending the era of impunity. He underlined the importance of supporting the newly formed National Investigation Committee and its anticipated role in addressing longstanding, unresolved cases. This effort, he said, should proceed in parallel with the establishment of a Higher Committee for Civil Peacebuilding.

Pinheiro warned that the continued absence of a stable judicial and security system remains a key factor behind acts of reprisal, citing as an example the sectarian-motivated attacks documented along Syria’s coastal region in March.

He also highlighted the serious implications of assaults on places of worship, referring specifically to the attack targeting Saint Elias Church in the capital, Damascus.

 Pinheiro stressed that the pursuit of justice in Syria must be comprehensive and non-selective, ensuring accountability for all those implicated in violations — including individuals currently serving within the ranks of the new governing authorities.

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ANHA