On the heels of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Amnesty International has made a direct appeal to the newly established regime in Syria to extend its efforts to support individuals who have survived the harrowing experiences of detention and torture in military prisons under the previous government. In its call to action, the human rights organization emphasizes the profound physical and psychological scars borne by survivors, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation and support services.
Bissan Faikh, a representative from Amnesty International, highlighted the chilling accounts of torture and enforced disappearances that have come out of Syria’s detention centers over the years. These acts have left enduring impacts on survivors who now grapple with inadequate support as they try to rebuild their lives. Faikh insists that even amidst the complex economic and political challenges plaguing the country, the Syrian government must prioritize bringing to justice those responsible for such crimes, ensuring they face trial in ordinary civilian courts.
Since the ousting of President Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024, the new government led by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham movement has sought to distance itself from past abuses. In an effort to rebuild, it has issued a constitutional declaration that bans the use of torture and confirms commitments made through the establishment of a Transitional Justice Commission. This body aims to facilitate the recovery of survivors and ensure accountability for past crimes. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has endorsed these steps, describing them as integral to Syria’s proposed future.
Despite these efforts toward change, external factors pose ongoing challenges to the region’s recovery. Recent cuts to foreign aid from several countries, including the United States, have complicated the provision of much-needed health and humanitarian services. These reductions may impact efforts to deliver the promised support and justice to the victims of the previous regime’s brutal practices.
For a detailed account of developments and the broader implications for Syria, see the full article on JURIST.