06. May. 2020
Download full press release here: English / Arabic
A new report published by The Day After reveals the extent of human rights violations against civilians in Syria as well as the lack of aid and support being provided to victims. Among those who reported being the victims of human rights violations, 65% experienced physical injuries and 85% experienced psychological trauma as a result. Almost half of victims do not receive any support, and the other half receive scarce or insufficient support.
The report, “Conditions of victims and their attitudes towards accountability and reparations,” presents the results of a survey completed by 2,131 respondents who have either been subjected to human rights violations themselves or whose family member has been victimized. The full report can be read here.
41% of the injuries reported by the respondents, occurred as a result of torture in detention facilities. One-third of the injuries reported by the respondents, happened as a result of bombing of civilian areas. Among all attacks that led to physical injuries, 36% resulted in death.
For most crimes, the majority of respondents want to see trial and punishment under the law. In cases of genocide and crimes against women, a small percentage of respondents demand “execution without trial,” reflecting a loss of confidence in judicial procedures in a country where ruling authorities have remained above the law for decades.
Around half of victims of the respondents were subjected to siege, and around the same percentage reported arrest and physical abuse. More than 40% reported torture, and just under a third said they had lost a relative as a result of these violations. 20% said at least one person in their family had been forcibly disappeared.
Mutasem Syoufi, Executive Director of The Day After, said:
“The survey results support the fact that the Syrian regime is the largest violator of human rights in Syria – an exceptional fact considering that it still represents the Syrian state, whose duty is to ensure the safety and protection of Syrians. Human rights violations in Syria have been committed as part of a systematic and institutionalized policy and have targeted a wide spectrum of Syrians. Many victims suffer from conditions of displacement and poverty, which will increase the effects of these violations as well as their need for assistance in various forms. The results of the survey support our belief that there is no peace in Syria without justice, comprehensive political change, and a national transitional justice program that places victims’ rights and the guarantees of non-repetition as its highest priority.”
