The quest for justice and understanding the fates of the forcibly disappeared in Syria has gained urgency, spotlighted at the UN’s Human Rights Council. Yasmen Almashan, a key spokesman for the families affected, shared the grief of losing five brothers during the conflict. Her heartfelt plea for the establishment of a national transitional justice policy emphasizes that acknowledgement and justice are vital for a hopeful future in Syria.
In her address, Ms. Almashan highlighted that including victims in transitional justice programmes is crucial to fostering a culture of human rights, especially in oppressive regimes. She urged that victims could bridge societal divides, paving the way for peace and justice. Reflecting on history, she recalled the regime’s attempts to silence visuals of abuse unveiled in the Caesar Files, underscoring the international community’s critical role in supporting victims.
The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, endorsed ongoing initiatives by Member States to confront historical injustices for future generations. Citing successes in Guatemala where victims drove coalitions to secure convictions for crimes against humanity, he reiterated the necessity of an inclusive, victim-centred approach to transitional justice. With ongoing conflicts peaking worldwide, he noted Colombia’s strides to mend its civil strife issues through support and reconciliation measures.
Sofija Todorovic, from the Serbian NGO Youth Initiative for Human Rights, called for the inclusion of youth in these discussions, declaring it imperative to empower them for shaping just societies. Her message resonated with a forward-looking optimism, highlighting the integral role of young voices in justice efforts.
In a grim warning, UN human rights deputy chief Nada Al-Nashif reminded Council members of the threats to international law and norms that safeguard humanity from atrocities. She described the troubling signs of rising divisions leading to discrimination and incitement to violence, which often precede genocide. Stressing that these protective norms face unprecedented pressure, she called for collective action to prevent hate from festering and escalating into crimes against humanity.
The Human Rights Council underscored the plight of forcibly disappeared Syrians, spotlighted by Yasmen Almashan, who advocates for transitional justice. Calls for inclusive, victim-centred justice are vital, as illustrated by successes in various nations. Youth empowerment and vigilance against rising atrocities were stressed as necessary steps towards a more just future.
In conclusion, the testimonies presented at the Human Rights Council emphasise a powerful call for justice and inclusivity for the victims of Syria and beyond. The narrative extends to a broader plea for the empowerment of youth and the importance of holding humanity accountable to prevent any recurrence of historical atrocities. Ultimately, it highlights the urgent need to foster a culture of human rights as a foundation for peace and hope in conflict-ridden societies.
Original Source: news.un.org
