Syria has defied an ICJ order to prevent torture, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch, revealing ongoing human rights abuses in the country. Despite a legal case from the Netherlands and Canada, violations continue, with torture and enforced disappearances document. The Syrian government maintains its denial of these abuses, while calls for international intervention grow more urgent to ensure compliance with justice.
In a stark violation of international law, Syria has disregarded the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order to prevent torture and uphold human rights, as reported by Human Rights Watch. This was highlighted in a report released a year after the ICJ issued provisional measures on November 16, 2023, following allegations brought forth by the Netherlands and Canada regarding Syria’s ongoing contraventions of the Convention Against Torture.
Human Rights Watch exposes that, despite the court’s directive, the harrowing realities of enforced disappearances and lethal torture continue unabated within Syrian detention centers. “Syrian officials are still sending people to the country’s detention centers, which are notorious for torture,” stated Balkees Jarrah, underscoring the grim persistence of these abuses. With families and survivors courageously advocating for accountability, they seek justice through both the ICJ and other available avenues, despite severe risks.
The case against Syria, initiated in June 2023, includes grave accusations of inhuman treatment, chemical weapon usage, and atrocities against vulnerable groups, including children and women. It illustrates the importance of establishing state accountability rather than pursuing individual criminal charges. Reports from multiple human rights organizations indicate that systematic torture remains a routine practice for the Syrian government, thwarting the promises made by the ICJ.
Notably, a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights documented 43 torture-related deaths since November 2023. Additional findings from the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria reveal ongoing acts of torture, signaling a blatant flouting of international mandates. Even as the UN Special Rapporteur criticized the Syrian government’s lack of action in her inquiries, the President’s response to allegations was described as woefully inadequate.
The ICJ has also instructed Syria to safeguard any potential evidence of such torturous acts. However, recent legislative actions that dissolve Military Field Courts have raised suspicions of attempts to conceal incriminating evidence. Efforts by Canada and the Netherlands will continue, with a deadline of February 2025 for written pleadings in their case against Syria—but the court’s initial measures do not inherently prejudge the facts of the case.
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the Syrian government has maintained its denial of torture allegations, with various independent bodies corroborating the systemic nature of these abuses. The precarious situation remains even for those returning to Syria under the guise of safety, exposing them to harassment and potential torture once again.
Human Rights Watch warns against the push by some European states to facilitate refugee returns to supposed safe zones, arguing that such policies contradict international justice findings. This tension between migration policies and legal judgments highlights the urgent need for international intervention to uphold the ICJ’s directives and support justice for further sufferings experienced within Syria’s borders. Jarrah poignantly highlights, “The past year has only confirmed the horrific blueprint the Syrian government has used for over a decade now: detain, disappear, torture, and kill.”
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) serves as the principal judicial body of the United Nations, addressing disputes between states based on international law. In a landmark case against Syria brought forth by Canada and the Netherlands, the ICJ issued an order on November 16, 2023, mandating the prevention of torture within the country. Human Rights Watch has documented persistent reports of torture and inhumane treatment in Syrian detention centers, despite this ruling. The ongoing violations highlight a critical need for international oversight and adherence to human rights standards.
In conclusion, Syria’s blatant disregard for the ICJ’s order underscores a defiance against international law, perpetuating a cycle of torture and human rights abuses. Human Rights Watch’s findings reveal a haunting persistence of terror in the country’s detention centers, echoing the cries for accountability from victims and their families. The time for global action is now; nations must leverage their influence to compel Syria to adhere to its international obligations and halt these brutal practices that have stained the fabric of humanity.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
