Delivering Justice for Syria: Assessing the Progress of the IIIM

Since the U.N. General Assembly established the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in 2016, this first-of-its-kind investigative body has played a critical role in collecting and analyzing evidence of crimes in Syria. This work has only become more essential as parties to the conflict have continued to subject civilians to indiscriminate attacks, unlawful detention, torture and enforced disappearance. Despite progress investigating and prosecuting suspected perpetrators under the principle of universal jurisdiction, accountability for international legal violations in Syria remains elusive. What progress has the IIIM made in its role as a justice facilitator, and how can the United States and civil society help deliver justice for Syrians?

On October 17, USIP hosted a discussion of the IIIM’s progress in collecting, consolidating, preserving and analyzing evidence of international humanitarian law and human rights violations in Syria. The conversation looked at how the IIIM has engaged with civil society documentation efforts and supported investigations and prosecutions of international crimes. It also explored how the IIIM paved the way for the creation of similar mechanisms, as well as the effectiveness of universal jurisdiction investigations and prosecutions.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #SyriaUSIP.

Speakers:

Michael Yaffe, Ph.D., welcome remarks

Vice President, Middle East North Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Mohammad Al Abdallah

Founding Director, Syria Justice and Accountability Center

Catherine Marchi-Uhel

Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism

Beth Van Schaack

Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State

Mona Yacoubian, moderator

Senior Advisor, Executive Office and Middle East and North Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP