U.N. Investigative Body Seeks Access to Syria to Secure Evidence Against Former Government Officials.

The U.N. investigative body, IIIM, aims to send a team to Syria to collect evidence of crimes committed during the civil war. The team will assess the extent of the issue, access potential evidence, and assist in preserving it. The U.N. body has already collected 283 terabytes of data and is cooperating with national prosecutors. Petit expressed hope for the new Syrian authorities' awareness of the need to preserve evidence.

The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria, an independent investigative body established by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2016, is making strides in its efforts to collect evidence of crimes committed during the Syrian civil war [1]. With a focus on war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, the IIIM collects, preserves, and analyzes information and evidence, sharing it with competent jurisdictions for ongoing investigations and prosecutions [1].

As of now, the IIIM has amassed an impressive 283 terabytes of data related to these crimes [2]. This extensive collection serves as a testament to the magnitude of the atrocities committed in Syria since the start of the conflict in 2011. The IIIM's work is not limited to data collection; it also cooperates with national prosecutors to ensure the effective use of this evidence in ongoing and future investigations and prosecutions [1].

Recently, IIIM's Chief, Karim Ahmad Khan, expressed optimism regarding the new Syrian authorities' potential awareness of the importance of preserving evidence for future accountability efforts [2]. This development could significantly enhance the IIIM's ability to contribute to the pursuit of justice for victims of the Syrian conflict.

The IIIM's efforts are crucial in the face of ongoing violence and instability in Syria. Its work not only serves to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice but also contributes to the restoration of peace and stability in the region.

References:

[1] United Nations. (n.d.). The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism - Syria. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.ungeneva.org/en/about/organizations/iim-syria

[2] ReliefWeb. (2022, September 20). Report of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/report-international-impartial-and-independent-mechanism-assist