Pathways to justice in the transitional justice process: Accountability in the Syrian context 

The IHL Centre’s latest publication—available in English and Arabic—maps out key legal avenues for accountability in Syria. It offers essential insights to support inclusive, non-discriminatory justice efforts in the wake of the Assad government’s fall in December 2024.

At this critical turning point, transitional justice provides a vital framework for Syria’s recovery—restoring the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and promoting national reconciliation as the basis for lasting peace. Accountability for serious violations of international law has long been a central demand of Syrian civil society, forming a cornerstone of broader justice and victims’ rights initiatives.

This paper focuses on accountability mechanisms aimed at prosecuting serious international crimes. It outlines viable legal pathways—including domestic Syrian courts, the International Criminal Court, and universal jurisdiction in foreign courts, which has already yielded limited justice outcomes. It also explores the potential for establishing a special or hybrid court for Syria, weighing legal grounds, political context, and practical feasibility in a rapidly evolving transitional landscape.

You can download the English and Arabic versions of the paper below.