World Court Begins Historic Torture Case in Syria: A Landmark Moment of Justice

Syria: World Court Begins Watershed Torture Case

Urgent Measures Sought to Stop Abuses

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hold hearings on October 10 and 11, 2023, on state-sponsored torture in Syria since 2011, in what is being hailed as a historic moment for advancing justice. The case, brought by the Netherlands and Canada, alleges that Syria has violated the international Convention Against Torture through unlawful treatment of detainees, inhumane detention conditions, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, violence against children, and the use of chemical weapons.

Importance of the Case

The case at the ICJ provides a crucial opportunity to address Syria‘s long-standing and heinous torture of countless civilians. It is an opportunity for the international community to scrutinize the atrocities committed in Syria and seek justice for the victims. The World Court should urgently put in place measures to prevent further abuses against Syrians who continue to suffer under nightmarish conditions and whose lives are in serious jeopardy.

Provisional Measures

While the case may take several years to reach a final ruling, the Netherlands and Canada have asked the court to order provisional measures aimed at stopping ongoing violations and supporting future accountability proceedings. These measures include urging Syria to cease and prevent all acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, disclose the location of burial sites of people who died from torture, and release anyone arbitrarily or unlawfully detained. The two countries also asked the court to require Syria to report on steps taken to carry out the provisional measures order.

Global Response

The ICJ case should prompt governments, especially Arab countries, to reevaluate their moves to normalize relations with Syria without addressing its torture and other human rights abuses. Despite Syria‘s record of serious crimes and ongoing abusive practices, several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, have rushed to normalize relations with the Syrian government. The international community must prioritize justice and human rights over political considerations.

International Criminal Court and National Prosecutions

Comprehensive justice for atrocities committed in Syria has been elusive due to Syria‘s non-membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC) and opposition from Russia and China to give the court a mandate over serious crimes in Syria. However, efforts to bring individual suspects responsible for torture and other atrocities before European courts have started to bear fruit. Proceedings in German, Swedish, and French courts could be informed by the outcome of the ICJ case and lead to further prosecutions.

Conclusion

The ICJ case against Syria for state-sponsored torture is a landmark moment for justice and accountability. The hearings at the World Court shed light on the ongoing abuses in Syria and emphasize the need for urgent measures to stop these violations and ensure accountability for the Assad government’s atrocities. It is imperative for the international community to support the case and prioritize the protection of human rights over political considerations. Justice must prevail in the face of grave injustices committed in Syria over the last decade.