Syria Forms Transitional Justice, Missing Persons Commissions

Syria has established two national commissions: one for transitional justice and another for missing persons, marking a significant step toward addressing the legacy of the Assad regime and the ongoing conflict. The National Transitional Justice Commission is tasked with uncovering grave violations committed during the Assad family's rule, holding responsible parties accountable, and promoting national reconciliation, though it remains unclear if it will investigate other groups involved in the war. The National Commission for Missing Persons aims to document cases, create a national database, and provide humanitarian and legal support to families of those missing. These commissions have been welcomed by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and the British government as crucial for achieving justice, redress, and reconciliation. Both bodies are designed to operate with financial and administrative independence across Syria. Their formation follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels and reflects efforts to address the war's human rights abuses and the fate of tens of thousands of missing persons.