Institutional Reform Needs Documentation
Today’s post spotlights the first installment of the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre’s “Memorandum Series.” For more on Documentation and Institutional Reform, download and read the full memo
Articles
Impunity as Everyday Life
Even in areas of Syria away from the immediate vicinity of shelling or battles, the imposition of armed force is very real. Many authorities feel a sense of impunity within
Polio spreads as targeting of health workers continues
In the latest example of Syria’s dire health crisis, ten cases of polio were confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) this week. But this shouldn’t come as
Wise Words That Deserve Repeating: The ICTJ on Syria
Earlier this month the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) released a brief titled “Towards a Transitional Justice Strategy for Syria [http://ictj.org/sites/default/files/ICTJ-Syria-Analysis-2013.pdf].” There’
Hezbollah’s executions highlight violations against detainees
As a stark reminder of the pervasive climate of impunity in Syria, a video recently posted online is said to show Hezbollah militants summarily executing their captives. Though unverified, the
The Short and the Long View: Documentation for Accountability
Recent days have seen a flurry of activities that have the potential to drive forward accountability in Syria. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 2118 [http://www.un.org/News/
“On the Basis of Evidence”
The United Nations published yesterday its official “Report on the Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons in the Ghouta Area of Damascus.” The report owes its existence to a series of
Chemical weapons aren’t the only lethal weapons in Syria
With international condemnation once again narrowed in on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, other grave human rights violations escape such attention. As American comedian Jon Stewart sarcastically put
Ghouta Attack Underlines Value of Documentation
In addition to exposing and recording the reality of a horrifying chemical weapons attack, the photos, videos, and written reports from Ghouta also brought increased attention to the power of
Will Accountability Itself be a Casualty of Ghouta?
Hundreds of people were killed in last week’s chemical attack in the Ghouta region of eastern Damascus. Haunting, tragic, and horrifying photos and videos have emerged as a result