Damascus, April 15 (SANA) A UN expert said Syria has made progress in transitional justice over the past year and stressed the need for continued international support to strengthen accountability and recovery efforts.
Sofia Candeias, a judicial affairs officer with the UN Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, told UN News that Syrian institutions, with UN support, have made progress in addressing conflict-related sexual violence and strengthening rule-of-law frameworks since December 2024.
“It is remarkable that in one year, the Syrians were able to put all of this in place,” Candeias said.
The UN team has worked closely with Syrian institutions, including the National Commission for Transitional Justice, the Commission for Missing Persons, relevant ministries, and civil society groups. This approach, in line with Security Council resolutions 2254 and 2799, is seen as key to advancing justice efforts.
Candeias highlighted the role of civil society organizations in supporting transitional justice and stressed the importance of listening to survivors.
She said sexual violence was systematically used during the conflict to humiliate and punish civilians. Although women and girls were disproportionately affected, men and boys were also targeted, particularly in detention. Stigma remains a significant obstacle to justice at various levels, and creating safe spaces for survivors to access support is essential.
Candeias noted that Syria’s justice system still faces limitations due to years of conflict, including a lack of resources for investigations and support services. She stressed the need for continued technical and financial support to sustain progress in accountability mechanisms.
Candeias urged investment in Syria’s justice system at this critical moment to ensure that progress is sustained.
M.F/ABD
