Amsterdam | 13 December, 2024

The Nuhanovic Foundation acknowledges the historic and transformative nature of the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria. This moment marks a pivotal turning point in the Syrian peoples’ decades-long struggle for justice, accountability, and freedom from oppression. The fall of a regime synonymous with violence, systemic human rights violations, and impunity, represents both hope and responsibility for Syria’s future. 

For over a decade, the Syrian people have endured widespread atrocities, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts that amount to genocide. The downfall of a regime long associated with violence, oppression and impunity is a testament to the resilience of the Syrian people and their unyielding demand for freedom, dignity, and accountability. While this critical juncture also poses immense challenges and responsibilities for Syria’s future, The Nuhanovic Foundation stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Syria in their journey towards reparation.

As the country enters a new chapter, we emphasise the following principles to guide this transitional period:

• Justice and Accountability: The fall of the Assad regime must not mark the end of efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. We call for a robust, transparent, and inclusive process to address crimes committed during the conflict. Domestic mechanisms, supported by international expertise, should prioritize fair trials and reparative justice for survivors. Those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and grave human rights violations must face justice, including military and political leaders.
• Support for Survivors and Victims: This moment offers an opportunity to prioritize the rights and needs of survivors and victims of the conflict. We urge the international community and Syria’s transitional authorities to provide access to mental health services, access to justice and reparations, and inclusive platforms for their voices to be heard. Additionally, comprehensive support must be provided for the families of the estimated 150,000 Syrians who are still missing as a result of the conflict. 
• Preserving Evidence and Strengthening Rule of Law: It is imperative to establish mechanisms, both domestic and international, that uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and prevent future abuses. We urge Syrian and international actors to safeguard critical documentation, testimonies, and archives. Platforms must be created to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard in shaping Syria’s path toward justice and reconciliation.
• International Cooperation: We call on the international community to assist Syria in this fragile period by supporting efforts to document evidence of crimes, provide technical assistance for transitional justice, training for judicial, legal, and investigative authorities, and aid for rebuilding institutions grounded in democracy, accountability, and human rights.
• Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Special attention must be given to vulnerable groups, including women, children, displaced persons, and ethnic or religious minorities. Empowerment and reintegration initiatives are essential to ensure that these groups are safe, supported, and able to participate fully in rebuilding Syria’s social fabric.

The fall of the Assad regime is a moment of reckoning and an opportunity to pave the way for a just and peaceful Syria. It is crucial that this transition honors the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, while ensuring that the lessons of this dark chapter prevent the repetition of such atrocities in the future.

The Nuhanovic Foundation remains committed to supporting efforts toward accountability and justice in Syria. We will continue to work alongside and support survivors, witnesses, and global advocates to ensure that this turning point becomes a foundation for comprehensive justice and sustainable peace.

At this moment, we call upon survivors, victims or witnesses of international crimes and grave human rights violations in Syria with a legal link to the Netherlands, along with civil society actors working for them, to reach out to us for support in seeking access to justice for the harm they have suffered. 

For support or inquiries, please contact us at: mail@nuhanovicfoundation.org.

You can also get in touch with the War Crimes Unit of the Dutch National Police at: warcrimes@politie.nl