Qarib Talk #11

08:00 PM
20/01/2025

QaribTalk#11: Syria’s transitional justice, reconciliation and the role of media

The rule of law in Syria can only be established through transitional justice, a process that is essential to rebuilding citizens’ trust in new institutions. However, as Syrians reckon with decades of atrocities and envision a future free of dictatorship, the implementation of transitional justice remains a critical yet complex endeavour, in which the media play a crucial role. 

But which transitional justice mechanisms are most suitable for Syria’s context? Should Syria prioritize international criminal trials, national courts, truth commissions, or traditional justice mechanisms? The media play an important role in documenting crimes, telling victims’ stories and fostering national dialogue, but this also raises questions about how to report responsibly on sensitive documents and avoid creating and exacerbating social divisions. How can we ensure that evidence of war crimes and human rights violations is preserved and used effectively? Transitional justice must also promote national reconciliation while meeting victims’ demands for justice, but how can this delicate balance be achieved – and what is the responsibility of the media as a key driver of national dialogue? Finally, how can the media contribute to truth-telling and awareness-raising in Syria’s transitional justice process, while adhering to ethical guidelines for the responsible use and reporting of documents? 

We invite you to join our QaribTalk #11: Syria’s transitional justice, reconciliation and the role of media on Monday, 20 January, at 20:00 Damascus time (18:00 CET) to discuss these issues and more, together with our speakers: 

  • Mutasem Syoufi, Executive Director of The Day After 
  • Zeina Shahla, Damascus based Journalist with Raseef22 and others 
  • Joumana Seif, Legal Advisor with the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights e.V.  
  • Rand Sabbagh, Executive Director of the Syrian Female Journalists Network. 
  • Fadwa Mahmoud, representative of the Families for Freedom

On December 8, Syrians awoke to news of Bashar al-Assad’s escape, marking the end of his family’s 54-year rule. The regime’s collapse has revealed the full extent of its atrocities, from Hafez al-Assad’s massacre in Hama to Bashar al-Assad’s brutal suppression of the 2011 uprising; added to this are the horrors inflicted by Daesh. 

The United Nations reported in 2022 that 306,887 Syrians had died since 2011. Half of the Syrian population has been displaced, and tens of thousands are missing. Syrian media and civil society, both within the country and in exile, have worked tirelessly to document and archive evidence. The fall of the regime has further opened access to documentation, which could serve as a cornerstone for accountability and justice. 

However, challenges abound. Documents in prisons and security facilities have been tampered with, as individuals search for information about missing loved ones or journalists seek exclusives. Perpetrators have deliberately destroyed evidence, including the burning of security headquarters. 

The critical question is: When will transitional justice begin in a structured manner, especially given the prolonged timeline for drafting a new constitution as suggested by the new leadership? Without a comprehensive and timely approach to transitional justice, achieving the rule of law remains uncertain. Legal and institutional reforms are essential to ensure justice, accountability, reconciliation, and the preservation of collective memory for future generations. 

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://democracy-essentials-eu.zoom.us/j/83445173148

Speaker’s

The talk will be moderated by Nada AbdelSamad, Qarib program- Chief editorial advisor

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