Justice for the Disappeared: Pathway to a Peaceful Syrian Future
Yasmen Almashan, a representative of families of the forcibly disappeared in Syria, highlighted the need for transitional justice at the UN, advocating for victim participation in healing processes. The UN rights chief echoed these sentiments, emphasizing successful examples globally. Additionally, the importance of engaging youth in justice discussions and the necessity to uphold international law to prevent genocide were underscored.
The ongoing search for justice in Syria gained prominence at the United Nations, as Yasmen Almashan, a leading advocate from the families of the forcibly disappeared, emphasized the enduring anguish of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. Almashan, who lost five brothers during the Syrian civil war, urged the implementation of a national transitional justice policy to facilitate the quest for truth regarding the 130,000 missing individuals in Syria.
During her address to the Human Rights Council, Almashan highlighted that involving victims is critical for the success of transitional justice programs, which can promote a culture of human rights. She stated that victims can bridge societal divides, creating an atmosphere of peace and justice in Syria. Previously, the Assad regime obstructed an exhibition displaying images from the Caesar Files that portrayed the torture of prisoners.
Almashan’s advocacy contributed to the UN General Assembly’s Resolution 77/301, established in June 2023, which created the Independent Institution for the Missing in Syria to include victims in its operations. UN rights chief Volker Türk supported these calls for transitional justice, underscoring the positive changes experienced by other nations addressing their dark pasts, such as Guatemala and Colombia, which have made strides in acknowledging past atrocities and supporting victims.
Highlighting the significance of an inclusive, victim-centered approach to transitional justice, Türk noted efforts in Kenya and Chad to empower survivors through reparations and support networks. Furthermore, Sofija Todorovic, from the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, stressed the necessity of engaging youth in shaping a just future, asserting that they must be provided with the means to contribute effectively.
The UN human rights deputy chief, Nada Al-Nashif, alerted Member States to the threats faced by international law, which is designed to protect against atrocities. She cautioned that current global divisions could exacerbate violence, stressing the need for vigilance to prevent genocide and uphold moral standards. Al-Nashif emphasized, “Genocide happens when humanity’s moral compass fails, when hateful ideologies proliferate,” urging solidarity to uphold human rights and prevent future atrocities.
The discussions at the United Nations regarding Syria’s future highlight the pressing need for transitional justice and the engagement of victims in the healing process. Figures like Yasmen Almashan embody the struggle for truth regarding the disappeared, while supporting evidence from global experiences underscores the necessity for inclusive approaches to justice. The collaboration between various stakeholders, including youth and civil society, stands as a fundamental component in preventing future atrocities, affirming the commitment to upholding human rights and protecting vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
