A new survey report published by TDA, “Conditions of Victims and their Attitudes towards Reparations,” reveals that Syrian victims and witnesses of human rights violations overwhelmingly prioritize accountability and justice over financial reparations for crimes committed against individuals. Around 80% of respondents insisted on justice by trial as acceptable compensation for crimes that led to the loss of a family member, enforced disappearance of a family member, or arbitrary arrest.
For the destruction of property and exposure of homes or businesses to theft and looting, financial reparations were seen as acceptable compensation. But for crimes affecting Syrians’ loved ones, the answer was clear: reparations can only be made through accountability. These findings highlight the critical role of justice and accountability in any peace or transition process.
The survey also found that 85% of victims were left traumatized, and 65% had been physically injured. Despite this trauma, the vast majority of respondents want perpetrators to be held accountable under the law, while a small percentage call for execution without trial, likely due to a loss of trust in justice sector institutions in a country where the ruling elite have operated above the law for decades.
In addition, nearly 50% of victims don’t receive any type of support – legal, psychological, financial, or otherwise – and the other 50% receive insufficient support. Read the full report here.
