Justice Policy

SJAC uses comprehensive documentation and thoughtful analysis to drive justice and accountability processes that are designed specifically for the Syrian context. To do so, SJAC provides resources to justice and accountability actors, including government officials, policymakers, lawyers prosecuting crimes committed in Syria, police investigating alleged perpetrators, and Syrians participating in or seeking to understand these processes.

Publications

One of SJAC’s main priorities is to disseminate information and analysis on justice and accountability processes related to the Syrian conflict. SJAC publishes several annual reports highlighting current trends and areas for increased international attention. Our annual “State of Justice in Syria” report examines the most concerning violations committed during the previous year, and draws attention to ongoing universal jurisdiction and transitional justice efforts by states, NGOs, and independent activists. SJAC also publishes annual priority briefs ahead of the UN General Assembly which present clear and actionable priorities that would lead to meaningful and positive changes for the Syrian people. Throughout the year SJAC publishes additional reports and short articles, highlighting ongoing violations and justice processes.

All of SJAC’s publications are published in both Arabic and English to ensure that information related to justice and accountability in Syria can be shared widely and incorporated into future transitional justice and peacebuilding mechanisms.

Events

SJAC host regular events to explain universal jurisdiction cases and other justice processes to Syrian audiences and the international community. Our biweekly Arabic language podcast “Adaleti,” provides information about ongoing transitional justice efforts in Europe and empowers Syrians to take part in the justice process. SJAC also hosts live and in-person events in Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands with specialists in universal jurisdiction who provide information to Syrians on how to contribute to universal jurisdiction cases by filing complaints, acting as witnesses, and connecting important documentation and evidence with investigative authorities. These events are led by a team of community advocates who provide one-on-one support to Syrians living abroad who have an interest in sharing documentation and participating in efforts to hold perpetrators of violations accountable.

Consultations

SJAC engages with governments, the United Nations, and justice mechanisms to ensure that they have accurate information on the conflict and consequent human rights violations. As part of these consultations, SJAC provides realistic recommendations to address the problems facing Syrians. Recommendations are provided formally and informally—from one-on-one meetings with officials to written submissions filed with UN mechanisms—and stem from SJAC’s extensive documentation.