By: LL.M Linda Osman, Lawyer and human rights activist.
In November 2024, the city of The Hague witnessed a significant event that brought together activists and human rights experts from around the world as part of The Second Syrian Civil Society International Conference on Chemical Weapons. This event, organized by a group of Syrian civil society organizations, was a clear response to the profound frustration caused by the international community's persistent failure to take decisive steps toward holding perpetrators of chemical crimes in Syria accountable. It served as a platform to amplify the voices of victims, demand justice, and highlight the continuous efforts of Syrian civil society organizations in addressing the challenges of impunity and the complexities of international justice.
The conference saw extensive participation, including representatives from Syrian and international human rights organizations, survivors of chemical attacks, legal and academic experts, journalists, and individuals concerned with Syrian affairs. This diversity in attendance underscored the severity of chemical crimes in Syria and their far-reaching impacts on humanitarian, political, and legal levels. The primary aim of the conference was to strengthen efforts to uncover the truth, document crimes, pursue international justice, and advocate for effective mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of chemical attacks against civilians.
The conference began with powerful testimonies from survivors of chemical attacks, who shared deeply personal stories reflecting the horrifying nature of these crimes. One survivor recounted his experience during a chemical attack on his hometown, describing the suffocating feeling as he struggled to save his family and neighbors in the midst of chaos.
These testimonies illustrated the devastating effects of such attacks on victims and their families, not only in terms of tragic human losses but also in the enduring psychological and social consequences. These accounts also shed light on the international community's failure to provide immediate relief and accountability, leaving victims and affected communities with a profound sense of betrayal.
One of the conference's most notable sessions focused on the legal dimensions of chemical crimes. International experts and specialized lawyers discussed the available legal tools to hold perpetrators accountable, with an emphasis on the principle of universal jurisdiction as an effective means of prosecuting those responsible. Speakers highlighted successes achieved in some European countries, such as Germany and France, where arrest warrants were issued and trials initiated based on evidence collected by Syrian human rights organizations. However, experts noted that these efforts remain geographically and legally limited, underscoring the need for broader and more effective international mechanisms, such as an international court dedicated to chemical weapons crimes.
The conference also highlighted the political obstacles to achieving justice in the Syrian case. Speakers pointed out how divisions in the United Nations Security Council and repeated vetoes by major powers like Russia and China have blocked attempts to take decisive actions.
Participants referred to UN resolutions, such as Resolution 2118 of September 2013, which aimed to end the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and discussed how these resolutions were not effectively implemented, allowing chemical attacks to continue and escalate even after their adoption. Experts argued that this failure reflects not only political divisions but also a lack of genuine international will to address these crimes.
Another session delved into the efforts led by Syrian civil society organizations to document chemical crimes and build strong legal cases that could be presented in national and international courts. Participants emphasized the importance of systematically collecting evidence in accordance with rigorous international standards to ensure its admissibility in legal proceedings. Discussions also focused on the challenges facing these efforts, such as the difficulty of accessing targeted areas due to ongoing conflict and the risks faced by documentation teams on the ground. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated a strong commitment to continuing their work to ensure that crimes are documented in a manner that leaves no room for denial.
A significant portion of the conference was dedicated to discussing the psychological and social impacts of chemical attacks on victims and their communities. Survivors and experts provided deep insights into the psychological trauma experienced by victims, including post-traumatic stress disorder, guilt, and the constant fear of future attacks. Participants noted that these traumas extend beyond individuals, disrupting the social fabric of entire communities. This necessitates comprehensive responses that include providing psychological and social support as an integral part of legal and humanitarian efforts.
One of the conference’s key themes was the call for the establishment of an international tribunal specifically dedicated to chemical crimes in Syria. Participants discussed the importance of creating such a tribunal as an independent mechanism to hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing that this step would bolster international justice efforts and provide a platform for systematic and thorough documentation of crimes. Experts noted that this tribunal could draw on the experiences of previous international courts, such as those for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, which achieved significant outcomes despite facing political challenges.
The conference concluded with an emotionally charged final session that delivered a strong message of solidarity with the victims of chemical crimes and all Syrians who have endured the horrors of war. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice, expressing hope that collaborative efforts between Syrian civil society organizations and international experts could lead to meaningful change. They also called for sustained international pressure to ensure that chemical crimes are never repeated, whether in Syria or elsewhere in the world.
Despite the immense challenges faced by Syrian civil society organizations, the conference demonstrated unwavering determination to continue the pursuit of justice. These efforts reflect the profound strength of will and deep belief in human rights, making this event a landmark moment in the long journey toward holding perpetrators accountable and achieving justice for victims. As one participant declared in the conference’s closing remarks: "The road to justice is long, but every step we take brings us closer to the truth. We are not fighting for Syria alone, but for a humanity that refuses to tolerate impunity."
By: LL.M Linda Osman, Lawyer and human rights activist.