Najat Rochdi urges justice to prevent recurrence of torture crimes in Syria

NEW YORK — On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, called for justice and uncovering the truth to ensure that torture crimes in Syria are never repeated.

In her remarks before the United Nations, Rochdi expressed solidarity with all Syrians who have endured such violations, emphasizing that their courage demands a future in which dignity is restored.

Rochdi stated that torture in Syria had been systematic and widespread, describing the practices in the prisons of the former regime as crimes against humanity. She asserted, “There is no healing without justice, no peace without truth, and no future without accountability.”

The UN official further underscored the need for a transitional phase and legislative reforms in Syria to guarantee that such crimes do not happen again, adding that this is the true way to honor those who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of justice.