Director-General Honey Megary led the team and met with officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and others.
Discussions included justice for victims and families, protection of mass graves and evidence, and continued engagement with the commission established by the UN Human Rights Council in August 2011.
willingness to get involved
Mr Megarry welcomed the new authorities’ willingness to continue engaging with the Committee in future visits.
This marks a significant change, as the previous government had denied access to the commission since the start of its mandate.
“We commend the new authorities for improving the protection of evidence in mass graves and detention centers, and encourage them to further pursue these efforts, also drawing on relevant Syrian civil society organizations and international actors. ” he said.
Responsibility for abuse
The committee visited Damascus and surrounding areas, including detention centers and mass graves, which are the focus of the investigation.
“Standing in the small, windowless cell, still filled with foul odors and marked by unimaginable suffering, it was a stark reminder of the harrowing record we have recorded over nearly 14 years of research,” Megary said. he said.
“These abuses must never be repeated and those responsible must be held accountable.”
a new sense of optimism
In talks with Syrians, including those who have returned after years of exile, Meghary noted renewed optimism and enthusiasm for a new Syria participation based on respect for human rights.
The Committee was informed that barriers to civil society participation, such as the registration of organizations, were eased and looked forward to the much-needed expansion of civic space.
Additionally, consultations with civil society and humanitarian organizations highlighted the urgent need for international support to ensure a successful transition.
In this regard, Mr. Megary emphasized the importance of promoting reconstruction efforts, including the suspension of sectoral sanctions imposed on former authorities.
peace of mind and hope
“There is a palpable sense of relief among the Syrian people. After decades of repressive rule, fear has dissipated and a new sense of freedom is evident,” he said. He pointed out that he was talking about holding his head high for the first time in ten years.
“As someone who investigated the genocide in Syria in the 1980s, I deeply understand how long Syrians have been waiting for this moment,” he continued.
“The times ahead are full of challenges, but we look forward to Syrians coming together to build the country they always wanted.”
About the committee
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry into the Syrian Arab Republic was established to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, when the conflict erupted following a brutal crackdown on the pro-democracy movement.
The committee is made up of three members who are not UN employees and receives no compensation for its work.
