The UN reinforced the need for transitional justice in Syria, spotlighting the plight of over 130,000 missing persons as expressed by Yasmen Almashan. She stressed the importance of victim participation in justice reforms. UN officials echoed calls for comprehensive justice and highlighted successful examples from other nations. The need for global vigilance against legal erosion was also emphasized, as genocide threats escalate amidst increasing societal divisions.
On Wednesday, the plight of Syria’s forcibly disappeared persons was underscored at the UN, with Yasmen Almashan representing affected families. A founding member of the Caesar Families Association, Ms. Almashan mourns the loss of five brothers between 2012 and 2014 and advocates for clarity regarding over 130,000 missing individuals in Syria. She emphasized the necessity for a national transitional justice policy, asserting that “participation of victims is key for transition justice programmes to succeed.”
Ms. Almashan pointed out the crucial role victims play in fostering societal connections and promoting an environment of justice in Syria. This call for action follows the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 77/301, which established the Independent Institution for the Missing in Syria, bolstered by persistent advocacy from Syrian NGOs.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk highlighted the need for restorative measures to address historical injustices, referencing successful efforts in Guatemala where coalitions of victims helped convict military officials for grave crimes. He stressed the significance of inclusive, gender-responsive approaches in transitional justice, especially amidst escalating global conflicts.
In Kenya, initiatives allow survivors of sexual violence to seek reparative justice through national networks, while Chad has seen positive developments in victim reparations. Sofija Todorovic from the Youth Initiative for Human Rights underscored the essential involvement of youth in forging a fairer future: “It is our duty to stand behind them. We must equip them with the tools and opportunities to create the future they deserve.”
Moreover, UN Deputy Chief Nada Al-Nashif cautioned against the threats facing international legal frameworks that protect humanity from atrocities. She characterized current conditions as perilous, noting that genocide often arises from patterns of discrimination and hatred. Al-Nashif specifically pointed to the erosion of global norms originally established to prevent such atrocities, stating that “genocide happens when humanity’s moral compass fails.”
The recent discussions at the UN emphasize the critical need to address the plight of the forcibly disappeared in Syria, highlighting the importance of establishing transitional justice mechanisms. Victim participation is paramount to achieving a just and equitable society, as demonstrated by successful initiatives worldwide. Furthermore, the international community must remain vigilant against the erosion of legal protections against atrocities, reinforcing their commitment to prevent genocide and promote restorative justice.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
