In an interview with Al-Hadath, IIIM Head Robert Petit discussed recent developments in justice and accountability efforts in Syria.
Mr. Petit reflected on the IIIM’s engagement with the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the Syrian authorities, including its workshops, training, and technical assistance in Syria.
Referring to these activities, he said, “They have been very helpful. They allowed us to put forward some concrete technical-assistance projects that the IIIM, with the help of Member States, could bring to Syria.”
He stressed the need for a holistic strategy, adding that “there’s no one perfect solution” to addressing the scale of crimes committed in Syria. He also reaffirmed the IIIM’s support for a Syrian-owned and led accountability process.
Watch the full interview here.
IIIM Head Meets with Secretary General António Guterres
Earlier this week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, IIIM Head Robert Petit met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the Mechanism’s work and emerging opportunities to strengthen accountability for serious international crimes committed in Syria.
The meeting reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to keeping victims and survivors at the centre of accountability efforts and to bringing those responsible for the most serious crimes to justice.
They underscored the importance of sustained engagement with Syrian authorities, civil society and international partners to support credible, inclusive and Syrian-led accountability efforts that uphold international standards.
The IIIM remains committed to advancing justice and accountability for Syrians.
IIIM Deepens Support for Criminal Accountability Efforts in Syria
02 September 2026, Geneva – Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM), Assistant Secretary General, Robert Petit, recently concluded a visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, where he held a series of meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation with Syrian institutions and strengthening support for national transitional justice and criminal accountability efforts.
The IIIM is in ongoing discussions with the Syrian authorities to strengthen its engagement in the country, including through a cooperation framework that would establish a joint workplan and an operational presence for technical staff in Syria.
During the visit, ASG Petit met with the Minister of Justice, Mr. Muzhar al Wais, the Head of the National Commission for Transitional Justice, Brigadier General Abdel Basit Abdellatif, the Head of the National Commission for Missing Persons, Dr. Mohammed Reda Jalkhi, and officials from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also met with representatives of Syrian civil society organisations, the UN Country Team, and diplomatic missions.
Discussions focused on the IIIM’s offers of technical support and expertise to Syrian accountability efforts, particularly in the areas of evidence preservation and management, structural investigations, judicial cooperation, and witness protection.
The IIIM remains committed to supporting credible, independent, and victim-centered accountability efforts in accordance with its mandate and in cooperation with relevant Syrian stakeholders.
In this context, ASG Robert Petit said, “As the Secretary General recently affirmed, ‘Syria stands at a moment of possibility,’ and now is the time for solidarity and partnership. The IIIM takes note of ongoing Syrian efforts in pursuit of transitional justice – which must be inclusive, fair, and in accord with the rule of law- and is determined to support national efforts in a manner consistent with its mandate and expertise. I thank the Syrian authorities for welcoming us to Damascus and for this productive engagement on concrete, tangible initiatives to support and strengthen Syrian-led transitional justice.”
