The U.N. envoy said the U.N. is committed to providing all assistance to Syria after speaking with new administration chief Ahmed al-Shara, acting prime minister Mohammed al-Bashir and other representatives in the capital Damascus this weekend. .
According to Geir Pedersen, the country’s transition process must be led and owned by Syrian citizens, in line with the principles of Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).
He also visited the notorious Sednaya prison, where thousands of people were detained and subjected to severe torture during the former regime.
Many families have reached there in the last few days to look for their missing relatives.
Special Envoy Pedersen also met with a delegation from the Syrian Negotiating Commission, including representatives involved in recent military operations in Syria.
Meanwhile, the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria on Monday called on all parties to ensure the safety of all civilians amid a deep humanitarian crisis and violence in the country.
There is no end to the fight
Meanwhile, fighting is still going on in northern, eastern and northeastern parts of Syria. In May 1974, a zone was established to separate the military forces of Syria and Israel.
However, this is the first time in 50 years that Israeli military forces have entered the perimeter of the region. In addition, more than 500 airstrikes have been carried out in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
The US has also carried out several airstrikes against the terrorist group Isil (Daesh) since December 8. Türkiye continues to target the Syrian Democratic Forces in the northeast of the country. America has support for this group.
The Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria appointed by the UN Human Rights Council stressed that civilians must be protected and those who surrender should be treated humanely.
Evidence needs to be preserved
The international commission said that in order to determine accountability, all types of evidence from crime scenes must be carefully collected, so that they can be forensically investigated and analyzed.
Since the start of protests in Syria in 2011, the country’s civil war has claimed thousands of civilian lives and resulted in numerous cases of serious human rights violations and abuses. Enforced disappearances of large numbers of people have also come to light.
Investigating Commissioner Hany Magli said Syrian civilians deserve justice after 14 years of brutal war. Every crime listed in the Treaty of Rome has been committed.
“Criminals must be brought to justice, especially those who bear the greatest responsibility. “And Syrian citizens must take the lead in shaping action for justice and accountability.”
Sanctions Review
Syria is facing a severe humanitarian crisis and millions of people have been displaced. About 1.7 crore people in the country need immediate humanitarian assistance.
The newly displaced need help, but humanitarian agencies are working under tremendous pressure and need help from the international community.
The Independent Commission appealed to all member states to support humanitarian relief efforts. In addition, the sanctions imposed on Syria are requested to be reviewed, so that they do not hinder humanitarian aid operations.