IIIM’s landmark visit to Syria

In December 2024, the IIIM traveled to Syria for the first time since the establishment of its mandate. This significant milestone reflects the willingness of the new authorities to engage with the IIIM’s justice and accountability work.

With the end of Assad’s regime, new evidence of the many violations and crimes has now become accessible. The IIIM stands ready to bring its expertise and resources to ensure that this evidence is preserved and used to support justice opportunities for Syria’s countless victims and survivors.

IIIM Head discusses the future of accountability in Syria with Al-Arabiya

“Victims never forget. They always want some form of recognition…some form of accountability, some form of justice. It can take many different ways, and it can take decades, but Syrians are among the most resilient, engaged and determined people that I’ve worked with. And I firmly believe that there will be accountability.”

IIIM Head, Robert Petit and Talal Al-Haj discuss the future of accountability in Syria on Al Arabiya News Channel – watch the full interview below.

EU Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights

Brussels, January 28 – Robert Petit, Head of the IIIM, participated in a panel discussion organized by the European Parliament, titled “Exchange of Views on Truth, Justice, and Accountability in Syria.”

During the session, Mr. Petit stressed the importance of Syrians defining what justice will look like for them. He also highlighted the critical role the EU plays providing support in Syria.

© European Union, 2025

Watch the full video here.

‘We have the case files, we have the evidence’: Head of UN Mechanism on Syria war crimes

Earlier today, the IIIM Head Robert Petit spoke to France 24 about the IIIM response to the new justice opportunities in Syria. When asked about the impact of the regime fall on IIIM’s work, Robert Petit, said “it has potentially opened up a source of evidence against the regime and its allies that was here to fore not available. It has led to hope that accountability for crimes committed in Syria since March 2011 is now within reach”.

Watch the full interview with France 24 here: We have the case files, we have the evidence’: Head of UN Mechanism on Syria war crimes – Perspective