The third international conference of civil society organizations on the use of chemical weapons called for accountability, intensified legal efforts to ensure justice for victims and enhanced international cooperation to eliminate chemical weapons in Syria.
In a communiqué at the end of its one-day discussion in Damascus, the conference stressed the need for ensuring a comprehensive national response to the process of eliminating chemical weapons, within the framework of transitional justice. This process should be carried out through coordinated efforts among relevant ministries and transitional justice considerations, the communique said.
The communiqué emphasized the importance of ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and engaging in international accountability mechanisms in this regard.
The conference stressed the need to maintain full transparency and adhere to the terms of the agreement with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), including full disclosure of sites, facilities, and stockpiles, as well as the destruction of remaining materials in line with the OPCW’s verification standards.
The communique called on States parties of the (OPCW) to promote “comprehensive accountability for chemical weapons crimes” by implementing arrest warrants, preventing safe havens, and holding responsible institutions accountable.
Participants affirmed supporting Syria’s engagement with the OPCW, providing technical, financial, and political support, drawing lessons to strengthen the international embargo, and developing deterrence and rapid investigation mechanisms.
