Paris, 9 December 2024. The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, resulting from a swift offensive by a coalition of armed groups spearheaded by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, marks the beginning of a new era of hope for the Syrian people. After 54 years of unyielding rule by the al-Assad family and nearly 14 years since the start of the Syrian revolution, the prospect of a democratic transition in Syria now appears within reach.
However, significant challenges remain. It is crucial that all sectors of Syrian society, including civil society, are involved in the upcoming discussions to ensure a transition grounded in justice, respect for human rights, and equality for all Syrians under the law.
Resolution 2254, adopted by the United Nations Security Council on 18 December 2015, must serve as the foundation for any discussions aimed at restoring democracy in Syria and facilitating the safe return of Syrian refugees.
The brutal repression unleashed on the Syrian population since March 2011 has led to nearly 500,000 deaths, displaced over 6 million refugees, and caused more than 150,000 disappearances. These atrocities cannot go unpunished, and those responsible must be held accountable. Victims deserve justice, as well as reparations.
"FIDH will stand with its member organisation Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), alongside civil society, democracy activists, and, most importantly, the Syrian victims who have long been supported in their fight against impunity, ensuring that justice becomes one of the essential components of Syria’s future", says Alice Mogwe, President of FIDH.