Syria Survivors Demand Justice at the United Nations

Yasmen Almashan, a survivor whose five brothers perished during the Syrian civil war under Bashar al-Assad’s rule, is now leading the charge for justice within Syria’s transitional justice system. Driven by the disappearance of over 130,000 Syrians, she’s working to hold the regime accountable for its actions. This remarkable story underscores the vital role of victims in demanding justice and shaping the future of Syria.

Almashan’s involvement with the Syrian National Commission for Transitional Justice (SNTCJ) is particularly significant, as the commission itself is grappling with the immense challenge of documenting and investigating war crimes committed during the decade-long conflict. The SNTCJ’s mandate includes establishing a truth-seeking mechanism and a judicial framework to address past abuses, a task complicated by the sheer scale of the disappearances and the Assad regime’s continued obstruction. Almashan’s personal experience – losing five brothers – fuels her determination to ensure that no one is forgotten and that perpetrators are brought to justice, representing a crucial step towards national reconciliation and preventing future atrocities. Her work at the UN further amplifies the voices of Syrian survivors and demands international attention to the ongoing need for accountability.

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