Amnesty International urges Syrian Transitional Government to take tangible steps toward justice

LONDON — Amnesty International has called on Syrian Transitional Government (STG) to implement tangible measures to achieve justice, uncover the truth and provide reparations to address the devastating wartime violations.   

In a recent statement, Amnesty International pressed the STG to enact human rights-based reforms aimed at preventing further abuses. “Syria’s new government must take immediate, concrete steps towards justice, truth and reparation that address the country’s devastating legacy of abuses and urgently undertake human rights-based reform to prevent further violations,” Amnesty’s statement said. 

The organization documented extensive crimes under international law committed between 2011 and 2024, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and severe human rights violations perpetrated by the former Syrian regime.   

The report also highlighted serious atrocities by the regime’s allies, such as Russia, as well as opposition armed groups and their ally, Turkey. Amnesty emphasized that the STG represents a critical opportunity to break from the past and ensure such atrocities are never repeated. The human rights group outlined priority steps for Syrian authorities to comply with international law and fulfill Syria’s obligations.   

Amnesty sent its recommendations to the STG on 14th April, seeking responses to questions and details about the government’s plans in casu, but has yet to receive a reply. The statement stressed that the STG must uphold the rights of all Syrians to truth, justice and reparations.   

Key to fulfilling this commitment, Amnesty noted, is ensuring meaningful participation by survivors, victims and Syrian civil society organizations in the process, alongside maximum transparency.