2024
‘There needs to be accountability’ – UN official
Robert Petit, Head of the IIIM, spoke to BBC Newsnight on 10 December, on the new opportunities for justice following the fall of the Assad regime. Petit said: “There needs to be accountability, certainly for those most responsible for the architects of these crimes. And when it comes to lower level perpetrators, then various means […]
Statement from the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism
Geneva, 8 December 2024 – Today’s events are historic. There is finally some hope for Syrians and their country to have a future based on justice and the rule of law. These are the fundamental principles on which the IIIM was created by the General Assembly in 2016. We have all witnessed the poignant images […]
IIIM Releases Analysis of Widespread Torture in Syria’s Detention System
Geneva, 6 December 2024 – The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) today released a detailed report analysing the widespread and systematic commission of torture, ill treatment and related violations across more than 100 Government detention facilities in Syria. This includes analysis of inhumane detention conditions, sexual violence and enforced disappearances. Titled “The Syrian Government […]
IIIM Statement on Developments in Syria
Geneva, 03 December 2024 – The IIIM is closely monitoring the recent developments in Syria and is deeply concerned about the escalation and its impact on the local community. Rules of war are enshrined in international law, those who break them will be held accountable, and every avenue of justice will be seized. Any information […]
Exceptional Crimes Demand Exceptional Justice
Michelle Jarvis, Deputy Head of the IIIM, participated in a panel discussion titled “Exceptional Crimes Demand Exceptional Justice” at the Annual Conference on Chemical Weapons in the Hague on 11 November. During the session, Ms. Jarvis outlined how the IIIM is preparing to support the work of competent jurisdictions, current or future, to address crimes […]
IIIM to Scale Down Support to Investigations Due to Funding Shortfall
The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is experiencing a significant budget shortfall this year which may hamper its work. The IIIM was established by the United Nationals General Assembly in December 2016 with the mission to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for core international crimes committed in Syria since 2011. […]
IIIM Calls for Justice & Accountability at the Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region”
“The answer must be accountability.” 29 May, Geneva – At the 8th edition of the Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region’, Mr. Robert Petit, Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), underscored the crucial role of justice and accountability in building a future Syria grounded in the rule […]
IIIM-Syria Welcomes Dabbagh Case Verdict
Geneva, 27 May 2024 – The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism – Syria (IIIM) welcomes the verdict by the Paris Judicial Court which has found three high-ranking Syrian officials guilty of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes committed against two French Syrian nationals, Mazen Dabbagh and his son Patrick Dabbagh. Ali Mamlouk, Jamil […]
IIIM Head presents tenth report to the General Assembly
New York, April 24th – In her final oral presentation to the General Assembly before stepping down as the Head of the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM), Catherine Marchi-Uhel delivered a comprehensive report. Ms. Uhel highlighted the IIIM’s significant contributions to justice in Syria, detailing numerous concrete achievements. During the presentation, she […]
IIIM at the Genocide Network
Last week, the IIIM participated in the European Network for Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, and War Crimes, commonly known as the Genocide Network. This biannual cooperation meeting brings together national authorities dedicated to investigating and prosecuting core international crimes. For our senior IIIM team members, this event is an important opportunity […]
Secretary-General appoints Mr. Robert Petit of Canada to Head the IIIM
New York, 22 March 2024 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Robert Petit of Canada as Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. […]
The results of the Syria mechanism are becoming more visible
“I think it’s becoming easier and easier to justify the value…the results were not very visible especially in the early days, but they are becoming more and more so.” In this in-depth interview, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of IIIM, highlights the mechanism’s tangible contributions to international justice and shares the innovative approaches it developed that have […]
Asymmetrical Haircuts- Adaptable Justice for Syria
In a new series the Asymmetrical Haircuts podcast team are focusing on UN accountability mechanisms. It is therefore only appropriate that the first episode is about the IIIM, the very first UN accountability mechanism created by the General Assembly, which became operational in 2018. Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the IIIM Head, talks to Janet H. Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg about the challenges […]
International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, we honour the tireless efforts and indispensable contributions of Syrian women and girls in their unwavering pursuit of justice and accountability, despite the many risks and challenges. Women human rights defenders, activists, and feminist-led organizations have actively engaged with our work, not only sharing valuable material but also shaping the IIIM Gender Strategy with […]
Victim/survivor-centeredness, data protection and open-source collection in accountability: lessons from IIIM-Syria
As part of a series on Cybersecurity and Data Protection on the ICRC Humanitarian Law and Policy blog, IIIM Associate Legal Officer Rayyan Ghuma and Information and Evidence Officer Birhane Wossen Reta, contributed a post exploring how the IIIM’s Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach (VSCA) is applied to its data protection and open-source research processes. The post outlines the IIIM’s attention to victim/survivor rights, and the development […]
2023
A Painstaking Quest for Justice
“In Syria, I was really struck by this lack of revenge. I haven’t seen many people wanting revenge. They want justice. And that’s really a very powerful attitude.” – Catherine Marchi- Uhel Melissa Fleming, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, welcomed IIIM Head, Catherine Marchi-Uhel on her podcast “Awake at Night”. Ms. Fleming meets […]
IIIM participated in an event calling for accountability for violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention
The Head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, participated in an event organized by the Henrich Böll Stiftung Foundation on the violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Syria. The event featured a diverse group of Syrian civil society representatives, including victims/survivors, first responders, lawyers and human rights documenters. All were advocating for the establishment of […]
Syrians lead push to create global chemical weapons tribunal
IIIM head Catherine Marchi-Uhel said there are not enough justice opportunities for chemical weapons attacks in Syria and that her agency was ready to work with a new court. “An international body with dedicated resources and a team that has developed expertise on building cases around chemical weapons incidents might be well placed to deal […]
Switzerland concluded an additional voluntary contribution to the IIIM
Geneva, 13 November – Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, Switzerland’s Head of the FDFA Peace and Human Rights Division, visited the IIIM to meet with Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the IIIM. The meeting finalised an agreement for an additional contribution from Switzerland to the IIIM. Switzerland’s ongoing support and commitment to the IIIM’s mission strengthens its […]
Syria’s Arab Spring lives on in hearts – and Courts
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, along with many Syrian actors was interviewed for this in-depth article exploring the ongoing efforts by Syrians to build cases, bear witness and pursue justice through the courts. Read about their journeys and the demand for an international court to hold all perpetrators accountable. Syria’s Arab Spring lives on in hearts – and […]
IIIM welcomes Germany’s renewed support
At a recent meeting at Germany’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, the Head of the IIIM Catherine Marchi-Uhel, met with outgoing Chargé d´affaires a. i., Dr. Hans-Peter Jugel, to sign a contribution agreement in support of the IIIM Strategic Plan 2023-2025. The IIIM extends its deep appreciation for Germany’s ongoing support and collaborative […]
IIIM welcomes UNGA resolution on new international institution to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing
30 June – The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism – Syria (IIIM) welcomes the UN General Assembly’s decision yesterday to establish an independent institution to clarify the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria and to provide support to victims, survivors and the families of those missing, in close cooperation and complementarity with […]
Statement on the Dutch – Canadian Application against Syria at the ICJ
On June 12, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced that a joint application had been filed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Canada against the Syrian Arab Republic. The application relates to alleged violations of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The International, Impartial and Independent […]
IIIM urges for sustained financing to preserve its impact
Brussels, June 15 – During the seventh edition of the EU’s Brussels Conference on the future of Syria, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the Head of the IIIM, called for Member States to reinforce their support for the IIIM’s work. In her remarks at the Ministerial Day of the conference, Ms. Marchi-Uhel highlighted the welcome rise in jurisdictions […]
Gender Persecution: Why Labels Matter
In this new Just Security article, IIIM Deputy Head, Michelle Jarvis, delves into a crucial aspect of justice often overlooked: the recognition of gender as a discriminatory driver of violence and atrocity. Referencing recent precedents and frameworks like the IIIM’s Gender Strategy, Ms. Jarvis, makes the case for why this approach matters. Failing to employ a gender lens risks misunderstanding the impact of crimes on communities and undermines the accurate assessment needed […]
Gathering evidence for future trials: the IIIM – Syria
As part of the joint Wayamo – AGJA conference, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, IIIM Head, joined a panel discussion to address the recent geopolitical, legal, and international changes occurring in the field of transitional justice, along with the challenges faced in evidence collection of mass atrocities, and the prosecution of international crimes. The panel included Nema Milaninia, […]
Lectures: Chinkin and Jarvis on “Combating Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”
On May 12, 2023, Michelle Jarvis, the IIIM Deputy Head and Christine Chinkin from the London School of Economics delivered public keynote lectures in Berlin as part of a closed workshop on “Combating Conflict-Related Sexual Violence – Comparative Insights on International and National Capacities.” Read Ms. Jarvis speech as delivered here. For her lecture, Ms. […]
IIIM Head Highlights Essential Need for Predictable Financing
Briefing the General Assembly today, the Head of the Mechanism established to advance justice in Syria reported on that body’s continuing efforts over the past year, detailing its work with jurisdictions and investigations, but noting in light of increasing demand for its services that predictable financing through the regular budget and voluntary contributions by Member […]
IIIM’s 9th annual report presented to the UN General Assembly
New York, April 25th – The Head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, gave an oral presentation of our 9th annual report to the UN General Assembly. The presentation updated on the progress of the IIIM’s work and achievements as a justice facilitator over the past year. During the presentation, Ms. Marchi-Uhel, highlighted the tangible […]
Message of Condolence from the IIIM
Following the devastation caused by the earthquake in Southern Türkiye and Northern Syria the IIIM issued a message of condolence and solidarity. The IIIM extends its sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and our heartfelt sympathies to those who have been injured or suffered as a result of the recent earthquake […]
2022
USIP Podcast: Syria’s Brutal Civil War and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Following a panel discussion, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, IIIM Head, was interviewed on the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) podcast, ‘The Event Extra’. She discussed the lessons learnt and progress made since the IIIM was established as well as the challenges facing those seeking justice and accountability. Ms. Marchi-Uhel also shared the importance of two-way engagement with […]
The Head of the IIIM spoke at a conference convened by France’s Cour de Cassation
On Monday 24 October, the Head of the IIIM spoke at a conference in Paris convened by France’s Cour de Cassation. The event, marking 20 years since the Rome Statute entered into force, included a session on ‘Building a common international criminal justice culture’ where Ms. Marchi-Uhel spoke on the digital and technological innovations that were […]
Delivering Justice for Syria: Assessing the Progress of the IIIM
On Monday, 17 October, the Head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, participated in an event at the US Institute for Peace (USIP) in Washington. The panel discussion focused on the progress the IIIM has made so far, it’s engagement with civil society documentation efforts and how it supports investigations and prosecutions. Other topics included the UN […]
France’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador M. Jérôme Bonnafont, meets with the head of the IIIM Catherine Marchi-Uhel
Monday, October 3, Geneva – France’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador M. Jérôme Bonnafont, met with the head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel for the submission of the instrument of approval of the convention between France and the IIIM. This paves the way for enhanced judicial cooperation to judge, including in France, the […]
Save the Children Panel on Advancing Justice for Children
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the Head of the IIIM, participated in a Save the Children high level event on advancing justice for children. The panel discussed strengthening accountability for violations and crimes affecting children in conflict. Ms. Marchi-Uhel also updated on the IIIM’s development of a Children and Youth Strategy. Watch the discussion here:
The Head of the IIIM speaks about the contribution of Syrian Civil Society and victim/survivor groups to justice and accountability.
During an interview on the Justice Visions podcast, the Head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel spoke of the critical contribution Syrian civil society organisations, including victim/survivor groups and family associations, made in advancing justice and accountability. Podcast link here
The Head of the IIIM participates in a virtual panel as part of the Free Yezidi Foundation’s eight-year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide
August 3, 2022 – The Head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, participated in a virtual panel on Justice and Accountability organised by the Free Yezidi Foundation for the eight year commemoration of the Yezidi Genocide. During her remarks, Ms. Marchi-Uhel shared how specific areas of the IIIM’s work and products, in relation to the core […]
Deputy Head speaks at launch of the Anchoring Accountability for Mass Atrocities report – IIIM
IIIM Deputy Head Michelle Jarvis took part in the launch of the Anchoring Accountability for Mass Atrocities report, released by the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict (ELAC). The report attempts to better understand the challenges arising for UN accountability mandates and how they can be best supported moving forward. It looks in […]
French National Assembly authorises international judicial cooperation agreement between French Government and IIIM
The French National Assembly has passed a bill presented earlier by Government to authorise the approval of the international judicial cooperation agreement between the French Government and the IIIM. Amongst other things, the agreement would allow information to be transmitted from French courts to the IIIM, which had not been possible under current law. To […]
IIIM-Syria welcomes German Court’s Crimes Against Humanity Verdict
Geneva, 13 January 2022 – The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism – Syria (IIIM) welcomes the landmark judgement against Anwar R, at the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, Germany. The former high-ranking Syrian official was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in torture, murder and sexual violence in […]
Al Jazeera Op-ed about barriers to universal jurisdiction
This op-ed examines the possibility of carrying out investigations into the war crimes that have been committed in Syria internationally, and how investigations at the national level have been more feasible yet remain marred by several barriers. To access this op-ed, click here.
2021
Conversation with Catherine Marchi-Uhel at a conference on international justice in Dakar
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the Head of the IIIM, attended an international justice conference on October 26 2021, in Dakar. In conversation with Philipp Ambach, the ICC’s Chief of the Victims Participation and Reparations, the discussion covered the work of the IIIM, its applicability to the context of West Africa, and current features in the international justice […]
Le Monde op-ed by Catherine Marchi-Uhel on the ruling by France’s Cour de cassation
In her Le Monde Op-Ed, Head of IIIM Catherine Marchi-Uhel argues that France needs to lift the obstacles that keep victims of crimes against humanity at the doors of French justice. To read the article in its entirety, click here. The article is in the French language.
Agreement between IIIM and Swedish Government to improve possibilities of investigating serious offences committed in the Syria conflict
To facilitate efforts by Swedish law enforcement authorities to investigate crimes committed by Da’esh terrorists, the Swedish Government entered into a cooperation agreement with the UN International Impartial and Independent Mechanism.
Sweden enters into a cooperation agreement with the IIIM
The Cooperation Agreement aims at facilitating efforts by Swedish law enforcement authorities to investigate crimes committed by Da’esh/ISIL terrorists. Click here to read more. This article is in the Swedish language.
Leveraging data for accountability: co-creating the future of human rights investigations
In this Human Rights Council side event, and in his capacity of overseeing the Information and Systems Management (ISMS), Keith Hiatt talks about how the IIIM makes use of computer advances to maximise use of the information it collects.
Catherine Marchi-Uhel on the UN Podcast
Ten years after the beginning of the Syrian Civil War, the political process continues to be frozen in Syria. In this setting, bringing justice to the victims becomes synonymous with the alleviation of suffering. It is for this reason that the United Nations General Assembly decided in 2016 to create a mechanism, the IIIM, to […]
la vigie des crimes en Syrie
The French newspaper Le Monde recently featured an insightful article on the IIIM, with a focus on its impact as a justice facilitator. In an interview with IIIM Head, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the article delves into the challenges and achievements of the organization since Ms. Marchi-Uhel assumed the role as its first head in 2017. Le […]
Ten years on, will there ever be justice for Syria?
Janine di Giovani writes for Foreign Policy magazine about the IIIM and accountability for crimes committed in Syria. Read the article here.
Le Monde in an in-depth feature on justice and accountability
This article examines the situation in Syria on the tenth anniversary of the Syrian Civil War. What are the chances for survival for justice and accountability in this environment? And how can the IIIM contribute? To read the article, click here. The article is in the French language.
AI emerges as crucial tool for groups seeking justice for Syria war crimes
Head of IIIM and team talk to the Wall Street Journal about how machine learning and the processes developed at the Mechanism support their work. Click here to read the article in its entirety.
Catherine Marchi-Uhel talks to BBC World Tonight on the Verdict from Koblenz
In this podcast, Head of IIIM Catherine Marchi-Uhel expounds on the investigations currently undertaken by the IIIM, their methodology, and way forward. Click here to listen to the podcast in its entirety.
2020
The Guernica Accountability Podcast
Toby Cadman speaks to Michelle Jarvis, Deputy Head of the UN IIIM and discusses her career in international criminal justice and now with the IIIM on Syria in Geneva developing new strategies with Syrian civil society to tackle gender crimes and sexual violence in conflict.
Challenges and New Opportunities for a New Generation of Accountability Mechanisms
Catherine Marchi-Uhel speaks as part of this webinar presented by the IBA War Crimes Committee
From Guernica to Aleppo
Guernica Co-founder, Toby Cadman, speaks to Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the Head of the IIIM-Syria.
2019
Reuters: U.N. investigators hot on trail of Syrian war criminals
GENEVA (Reuters) - International investigators are moving ever closer to finding justice for victims of atrocities in Syria’s eight-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, the head of a U.N. war crimes body said.
Justice Info: A Strong Signal to those Committing Crimes in Syria
More and more European countries, including Germany, France, Sweden and Austria, are prosecuting people for war crimes in Syria. One of the tools at their disposal is the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism created in December 2016 by the United Nations General Assembly
2018
Radio interview with France Inter
A la rencontre d’une femme étonnante ce soir. Elle dirige la cellule de l’Onu chargée des crimes de guerre en Syrie. Et elle l’assure, “c’est long, mais ça portera ses fruits” https://www.franceinter.fr/emissions/un-jour-dans-le-monde/un-jour-dans-le-monde-18-octobre-2018
France 24: Head of UN entity probing war crimes in Syria speaks to FRANCE 24
https://www.france24.com/en/20180419-interview-catherine-marchi-uhel-syria-civil-war-un-iiim-serious-crimes-prosecution-justice
Handa Center Annual Lecture on International Justice: The IIIM’s Role in Promoting Accountability
Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the Head of the IIIM speaks about the unique nature of the IIIM’s mandate and the main features of the vision the IIIM developed to bridge the gap between human rights fact-finding and criminal justice processes.
