Truth and Justice Charter

Since 2011, the Syrian regime has been widely using arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture in all its forms, and inhumane treatment. From the beginning of the uprising, at least 100,000 people have gone missing.

Meanwhile, the international community has failed to stop the regime from carrying out these acts and to hold the perpetrators to account.

A culture of impunity has spread and the methods have been emulated by the majority of Syria’s armed factions, radical organisations, and de facto authorities.

Which organisations are behind the Charter?

Groups of survivors and relatives of victims;
Holders of rights, sorrows, hopes and legitimacy; and
Supporters of a common vision.

Who are the victims concerned with the Charter?

Victims of torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, and their families;
Victims of arbitrary detention and their families;
Victims of extrajudicial killing and their families; and
Victims of enforced disappearance and all violations associated with these crimes, and their families.

Who launched the Charter?

In late 2022, the Charter announced its expansion from five to 10 members. The new members are: General Union of Internees and Detainees, Release Me, Hevdesti-Synergy Association for Victims, Adra Detainees Association and Families of Truth and Justice.

Adopting a victim-centred approach as a basis to any legal, political, and judicial work that addresses or influences the rights of victims; thus challenging elitist or external pressures and agendas that may be in conflict with the vision of the victims.
Using as terms of reference, legal principles and international humanitarian standards based on various branches of international law relevant to the situation in Syria.
The values of the founding victims’ organisations are: independence; inclusivity; impartiality; transparency; non-discrimination between victims based on their identity, type of violation, extent of suffering, or violating entity; and self-representation for victims.

A framework to guide work on arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance taking the views of the victims themselves as a starting point.
A discourse expressing the demands and aspirations of the victims and prioritising their own narrative, within the framework of international legal principles and humanitarian standards.
A common ground for victims’ organisations to work collectively in the future.

We are part of a wide group of Syrian and international organisations providing support to Syria’s victims in their advocacy work.
We have supported the Charter’s formation and continue to enhance the members’ participation in justice efforts, while ensuring their autonomy.
To capitalise on the international momentum around the UN resolution, we will remain committed to providing assistance to Syria’s victims, to ensure the institution can become a reality.

IMPACT OF THE CHARTER

Victory for victim-led advocacy

Following years of advocacy by vicims and survivors as part of the Charter, the following milestones have been achieved:

In 2022, the UN Secretary General (UNSG) António Guterres published a groundbreaking report recommending the creation of a new institution to clarify the fate of more than 100,000 of Syria’s missing and support their families – a key demand of the Charter groups.
On 29 June 2023, the UN General Assembly passed a historic resolution to establish the institution. The vote was supported by a majority of 83 member states. The proposed entity will allow for more systematic and coordinated efforts to determine the fate of the missing, and will provide much-needed support to victims, survivors and their families.

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Truth and Justice Charter Syria

On 10 February 2021, five victim organisations and their families launched the Truth and Justice Charter, reflecting their common vision on advancing victims’ rights and the cause of justice and truth in Syria.

Which organisations are behind the Charter?

Who are the victims concerned with the Charter?

Who launched the Charter?