5 March 2019 – On 28 February 2019, ambassadors, diplomats, civil society actors, and experts from like-minded groups came together in The Hague, Netherlands, in a consultation meeting to discuss the political process in Syria. Mutasem Al-Syoufi, Executive Director of TDA, participated in the three-day event. Based on Chatham House rules, participants focused their discussion on four main issues: reconstruction, sanctions, accountability, and the return of refugees.
Mr. Al-Syoufi released the following statement related to the discussion topics:
“Perpetrators of violations, including those that may constitute crimes against humanity, must be held accountable for the huge magnitude violations they committed in Syria. The absence of accountability is the primary reason for the tragedy in Syria. A sustainable future in Syria cannot be built without laying the foundations of the new political order – accountability and rule of law.
In the face of proposals to waive accountability in return for peace, we say: Is the Syrian regime ready for peace and democratic transition under any circumstances? Until this day, the answer we get is No, supported by actions and practices on the ground.
The path to reconciliation in Syria requires clear moral and material compensation policies for victims and their families. The victims might be willing to drop the criminal accountability matter in exchange of achieving the desired political change in their country and they will consider it as part of their sacrifices. But this sacrifice requires a wide-open discussion with victims, accompanied with a national recognition of their sacrifices and sufferings. Not to forget designing material and moral compensation programmes. Additionally, support the leading role of victims in advocating their cause is a must.
The international community must continue to support accountability efforts, such as International Commission of Inquiry and IIIM , along with national accountability efforts in accordance to the universal jurisdiction terms of reference. Current accountability efforts, should be strategic regarding types of cases investigated and perpetrators, in order to focus on the higher level of both perpetrators and their crimes.”
