Damascus, SANA- Head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice, Mr. Abdul Basit Abdul Latif, said that the Authority will adopt a practical roadmap with clear phases, based on realistic foundations that take into account the Syrian context and its specificities.
Abdul Latif said that this will be in addition to a national plan to raise awareness of the concept of transitional justice, an electronic platform for receiving complaints, and mechanisms for communicating with society, credible reports documenting the achievements made.
“On December 8, 2024, Syria regained its freedom, and its people regained their dignity, thanks first to God, and then to the determination of the free Syrians and their loyal national leadership. Since that day, the process of building a modern Syrian State, based on the values of equal citizenship and a unified society, has begun.” In a speech published by the Authority ‘s official account Friday, Abdul Latif said.
He added: “On February 25, 2025, the National Dialogue Conference adopted a recommendation to launch the transitional justice process, in response to popular demands. On March 13 of the same year, the Constitutional Declaration confirmed this approach. Article 49 stipulated the establishment of a National Authority for Transitional Justice, which would adopt effective and consultative mechanisms, focus on the rights of victims, hold officials accountable, ensure the right to truth, provide justice to victims and survivors, and honor martyrs.”
“On May 17, as part of a new step that affirms the Syrian leadership’s commitment to the transitional justice process, Decree No. 20 of 2025 was issued, establishing the National Authority for Transitional Justice as an independent body with legal personality and financial and administrative independence, exercising its duties throughout the Syrian Arab Republic.” Abdul Latif continued.
Abdul Latif said: “While I am honored by the decree to chair the Authority, form the working team, and develop the internal regulations, I declare before you my full commitment to working diligently to implement this.” The mandate is to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people, in all its components, through the following:
1. Revealing the truth about the grave violations committed by the former regime.
2. Holding accountable those responsible for these violations, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
3. Providing redress for the victims.
4. Establishing the principles of non-repetition and promoting national reconciliation.
The head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice stressed that the Authority will be an honest voice for the victims, revealing the truth about the violations they were subjected to during years of violence and bloody confrontations with peaceful demonstrations that raised flowers and demanded reform.
Abdul Latif pointed out that the Authority today bears a great responsibility: holding perpetrators of crimes accountable, providing justice to victims and their families, and addressing the effects of systematic violations in ways that contribute to consolidating justice, preventing the recurrence of similar violations, establishing a solid national reconciliation based on the rule of law, and enhancing Syrians’ confidence in the justice system, leading to lasting peace and a comprehensive national rise.
He added that the Authority will work within the specified thirty days to form a working group consisting of representatives of victims, legal and human rights experts, forensic and criminal investigation specialists, and representatives of civil society organizations. We will also employ an advisory council representing victims to accompany the Authority’s work throughout all its stages and develop its internal regulations.
“Despite the enormous challenges, the support we have received from the President of the Republic and the Syrian government, and their affirmation of providing all means of official cooperation, in addition to the support of the people, civil society organizations, and relevant international committees and institutions, constitutes a strong incentive to continue this national mission.” Abdul Latif said.
He stated that justice in Syria will not be retaliatory, but rather based on uncovering the truth, accountability, preventing impunity, and consolidating the rule of law.
Abdul Latif emphasized that this Authority will be an effective platform for redressing victims, honoring them, commemorating their memories, and redressing harm, leading to comprehensive national reconciliation that preserves the dignity of all Syrians.
MHD Ibrahim
