Justice for the Disappeared: A Crucial Focus for Syria’s Future

The UN highlighted the ongoing struggle for truth regarding Syria’s forcibly disappeared, advocating for a national transitional justice policy to aid victims’ families, as articulated by Yasmen Almashan. The discussion also involved the role of youth in justice efforts, past atrocity resolutions, and warnings about the rise of discriminatory practices that could lead to genocide.

The United Nations recently highlighted the plight of families of forcibly disappeared individuals in Syria, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful future. Yasmen Almashan, a key member of the Caesar Families Association who lost five brothers during the Syrian civil war, stressed the need for a national transitional justice policy to uncover the fate of over 130,000 missing persons. She stated that the involvement of victims is vital in ensuring successful transitional justice initiatives and fostering a culture of human rights in post-conflict societies.

Ms. Almashan’s brother, arrested in 2012, was later identified among those tortured in the Caesar Files, which the Assad regime had previously attempted to suppress. Her advocacy, along with the efforts of Syrian NGOs, contributed to the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 77/301, establishing an Independent Institution for the Missing in Syria and prioritizing victim participation.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for member states to confront past atrocities to safeguard future generations. He cited successful victim-driven initiatives in Guatemala that led to convictions for crimes against humanity, emphasizing the need for inclusive and innovative transitional justice approaches. Mr. Türk acknowledged the progress in Colombia and Kenya, where various measures have been implemented to support victims and promote dialogue in post-conflict scenarios.

Sofija Todorovic, from the Serbian NGO Youth Initiative for Human Rights, underscored the importance of engaging youth in discussions about creating a just society. She insisted that empowering young people with resources and opportunities is crucial for building a better future.

Additionally, UN human rights deputy chief Nada Al-Nashif warned that international laws safeguarding humanity from atrocities face significant challenges. She noted the alarming rise in discrimination, exclusion, and hatred that can precede genocidal acts. Al-Nashif underscored that the global norms, which underpin human rights, are experiencing unprecedented pressure, while gaining insight into the factors leading to atrocities in today’s world.

In summary, the UN’s call for justice for the forcibly disappeared in Syria emphasizes the critical role of victim participation in establishing transitional justice. The advocacy of individuals like Ms. Almashan illustrates the resilient pursuit of truth and accountability. Furthermore, the emphasis on inclusive transitional justice strategies by global leaders highlights the necessity of addressing historical injustices to ensure peace and prevent future atrocities.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com