Transitional justice essential for Syria’s post-Assad era

UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasizes transitional justice during his historic visit to Syria, highlighting accountability for crimes under Assad’s regime.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk speaks at a press conference in Damascus, Syria, on January 15, 2025. Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu/Getty Images

By El Nugraheni and Clarisa Sendy

United Nations rights chief Volker Turk has called for transitional justice as a cornerstone for Syria's future following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. During his landmark visit to Damascus, the first-ever by a UN high commissioner for human rights, Turk emphasized the need for accountability for atrocities committed during Syria’s 13-year civil war.

“Transitional justice is crucial as Syria moves forward,” Turk said at a press conference on Wednesday. He warned that “revenge and vengeance are never the answer,” underscoring the importance of impartial and fair justice for sustainable peace.

The conflict, which erupted in 2011 after Assad’s violent suppression of anti-government protests, claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions. For years, Assad’s regime was accused of numerous human rights abuses, including torture, enforced disappearances, and the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians.

Turk highlighted the gravity of the crimes committed under Assad’s rule, stating, “The enforced disappearances, the torture, the use of chemical weapons, among other atrocity crimes, must be fully investigated. Justice must be served fairly and impartially.”

He noted that the use of banned chemical weapons “says a lot about the extreme brutality of the tactics used by the former regime.” Such actions, Turk said, represent some of the most severe violations under international humanitarian law.

The United Nations has consistently advocated for Assad and his associates to face justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Calls for accountability have intensified since Assad fled Damascus last month following Islamist-led rebels seizing the city.

During his visit, Turk met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assured him of the interim government’s commitment to human rights. Sharaa pledged to respect the rights of minorities and prioritize social cohesion and institutional reform.

“He acknowledged and assured me of the importance of respect for human rights for all Syrians and all components of Syrian society,” Turk said. Sharaa also supported efforts toward “healing, trust-building, and social cohesion.”

Turk stressed the significance of protecting evidence of crimes committed under Assad’s regime. Families of those who disappeared during the war have urged the new government to prioritize uncovering the fate of their loved ones. Recent reports of vandalism at former detention centers, where prisoner etchings were painted over, have sparked public outrage and calls for better preservation of evidence.

Beyond justice, Turk addressed the pressing need for economic recovery in Syria, which has suffered from devastated infrastructure and widespread poverty. He called for a reconsideration of Western sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule, stating they had “a negative impact on the enjoyment of rights” for Syrians.

“I call for an urgent reconsideration of sanctions with a view to lifting them,” Turk said, urging the international community to facilitate Syria’s rebuilding process.

While Assad’s fall marked a turning point, Syria still faces numerous challenges. Tens of thousands remain missing, with many believed to have perished in detention or buried in mass graves. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates over 100,000 people have died in custody from torture or dire conditions since 2011.

Turk visited the notorious Saydnaya prison, where he spoke with a former detainee who recounted harrowing experiences of beatings and torture. “I cannot even bear to share the stories of the cruel treatment he endured,” Turk said.

Thousands of detainees were released from prisons after Assad’s departure, but many families are still searching for answers. A petition has circulated, urging the new authorities to prioritize investigating enforced disappearances and to protect critical evidence.

International support for rebuilding

Syria’s post-Assad era has drawn significant international attention. Germany’s Development Minister Svenja Schulze visited Damascus on Wednesday, pledging support for Syria’s peaceful development. She announced plans for German cooperation with Syrian hospitals, emphasizing the need for stable humanitarian conditions.

Germany, which hosts the European Union’s largest Syrian diaspora, has welcomed nearly one million Syrians since the war began. Schulze’s visit highlights ongoing efforts to aid Syria’s reconstruction and ensure human rights remain a central focus.

Syria’s future hinges on addressing the deep scars left by over a decade of conflict. As the country grapples with rebuilding, the push for transitional justice and accountability remains critical. Turk’s historic visit underscores the international community’s commitment to ensuring justice and human rights in Syria’s next chapter.

With promises of reform from the new leadership and growing international support, Syria stands at a crossroads. Balancing the urgent need for reconstruction with the pursuit of justice will be essential in creating a peaceful and stable future for all Syrians.