UN Syria Commissioner underscores solidarity with the Syrian people in a first mission to Syria since the Commission's establishment
09 January 2025
DAMASCUS/GENEVA -- Commissioner Hanny Megally of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria concluded a first visit to Syria today, taking crucial steps to foster dialogue and engagement with the new Syrian caretaker Government.
Megally led a team from the UN Human Rights Council-mandated Commission, meeting with government officials, including in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions covered justice for victims and families, the protection of mass graves and evidence, and continued engagement with the Commission.
Megally welcomed the willingness of the new authorities to continue engaging with the Commission on its future visits. This marks a significant shift, as the former government denied the Commission access since the start of its mandate.
"We commend the new authorities for improving the protection of mass graves and evidence in detention centres, and encourage them to pursue these efforts further, also by utilizing relevant Syrian civil society organizations and international actors," Megally said.
The Commission visited Damascus and surrounding areas, including detention centres that have been a focus of the Commission's investigations since 2011, as well as mass grave sites.
"Standing in tiny, windowless cells, still filled with stench and marked by unimaginable suffering, was a stark reminder of the harrowing accounts we have documented over nearly 14 years of investigations. These abuses must never be repeated again and those responsible must be held accountable," said Megally.
In the Commission's meetings with Syrians, including those returning after years of exile, Megally noted a renewed sense of optimism and eagerness to participate in a new Syria built on rights respecting foundations of human rights.
The UN Syria Commission was informed that barriers to civil society engagement, such as the registration of organizations, have eased and looks forward to the expansion of Syria's much-needed civic space. Discussions with civil society and humanitarian organisations underscored the urgent need for international support to ensure a successful transition. In this regard, Commissioner Megally emphasized the importance of facilitating rebuilding efforts, including the suspension of sectoral sanctions imposed on the former authorities.
"There is a clear sense of relief among Syrians. After decades of oppressive rule, fear has been lifted, and a new sense of freedom is palpable," said Megally. "People spoke to us about holding their heads high for the first time in decades. As someone who investigated massacres in Syria in the 1980's, I deeply understand how long Syrians have waited for this moment. Though the time ahead is filled with challenges, we are hopeful that Syrians will come together to build the country to which they have always aspired."
ENDS
Background: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic was established on 22 August 2011 by the Human Rights Council through resolution S-17/1.The mandate of the Commission is to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law since March 2011 in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Human Rights Council also tasked the Commission with establishing the facts and circumstances that may amount to such violations and of the crimes perpetrated and, where possible, to identify those responsible with a view of ensuring that perpetrators of violations, including those that may constitute crimes against humanity, are held accountable. The Human Rights Council has repeatedly extended the Commission's mandate since then, most recently until 31 March 2025.
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