A Syrian-led, internationally supported justice process – this was the key message from ASG Robert Petit, Head of the IIIM, at a timely webinar hosted by the Caesar Families Association and the Truth and Justice Charter. The discussion focused on the perspective of Syrian families following the establishment of two long-awaited National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons.
ASG Petit emphasized the importance of national ownership in justice processes:
“Our mandate is to prepare for substantive accountability for crimes committed in Syria… The best scenario, certainly the most important, is justice in Syria by Syrians for Syrians… for Syrians to dispense justice for victims and survivors of crimes committed, regardless of the perpetrators.”
Acknowledging the scale and complexity of violations committed in Syria, he added:
“The creation of a National Transitional Justice Commission is a very important first step, but it is only the beginning of a long journey… We stand ready to contribute our technical expertise and support.”
Moderated by Ahmed Helmi from Taafi Initiative, speakers also included:
▪️ Ms. Mariam Al-Hallak, Founder of Caesar Families Association
▪️ Ms. Joumana Seif, European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR)
▪️ Ms. Mayassa Al-Sheikh Ahmad, Human Rights Activist
▪️Ms. Yasmen Almashan, Head of Caesar Families Association
▪️ASG Karla Quintana-Osuna , Head of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP)
The panel underscored the importance of centering families and victims in all justice efforts, and discussed how the IIIM can engage with Syrian-led bodies in the pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice.
🔗 Watch the full webinar here: https://lnkd.in/d9ptgjKs