Geneva, 17 December 2024 – In a recent UN Briefing, Robert Petit, IIIM Head, highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by the fall of the Assad rule. The IIIM, previously unable to access Syria, has now requested cooperation to enter the country as soon as possible.
The IIIM is prioritizing urgent investigations, leveraging existing networks and Syrian sources, and coordinating with international partners like COI Syria, IIMP, and OPCW. IIIM’s expertise in collecting and preserving evidence supports Syrian-led efforts to protect material for present and future justice efforts.
Mr. Petit emphasized the critical need to preserve evidence amidst rapidly developing and challenging context and engage with caretaker authorities. He noted the IIIM’s extensive documentation efforts, partnerships with Syrian civil society and international actors, and support for global jurisdictions in pursuing accountability.