Synergy Association for Victims warns of the serious ramifications of Decree No.20 of 2025, issued by the Syrian Presidency, which announces the establishment of a National Commission for Transitional Justice tasked with investigating the gross violations committed by the former Syrian regime.
Restricting the mandate of the National Commission to violations perpetuated by only one party, without addressing all violations committed by various parties to the conflict, promotes selectivity and discrimination among victims. This approach hinders the pursuit of comprehensive justice that redress all victims, regardless of their locations or affiliations, and jeopardizes the prospects for a genuine and sustainable national reconciliation.
Furthermore, limiting the Commission’s work to only gross violations reinforces a culture of impunity for other abuses that may not be classified as “gross”—but—nonetheless constitute serious human rights violations with a profound impact on victims’ lives and their social and psychological well-being.
Genuine transitional justice must not be selective or biased; It should be inclusive and fair, grounded in a victim-centered approach that ensures truth-seeking and justice for all victims without exception—regardless of the perpetrating party or the nature of the violations committed.
Overlooking the suffering of victims harmed by other parties to the conflict only deepens divisions and contributes to long-term instability, ultimately threatening any prospect for a genuine and sustainable national reconciliation.
Synergy Association, therefore, calls for a reconsideration of the decree, widening the Commission’s mandate to include the investigation of all violations—without exception and regardless of the perpetrating party. In addition, it urges the adoption of a victim-centered approach that guarantees the effective participation of victims in all stages of the process, along with safeguards to ensure the Commission’s independence, integrity, and transparency. These measures are essential to uphold all victims’ rights to justice and redress without discrimination.
Synergy Association for Victims