The event was co-organized by the Syrian Forum, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), the Atlantic Council (AC), and Legal Action Worldwide (LAW). Discussions focused on the critical role the ICC could play in addressing crimes committed in Syria, emphasizing the importance of referring the Syrian situation under Article 14 of the Rome Statute.

The session featured a distinguished panel of experts:
• Stephen J. Rapp: Lawyer and Former United States ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues in the Office of Global Criminal Justice
• Haydee DIJKSTAL: Barrister, Head of International Law at 33 Bedford Row Chambers and Nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council
• Nick Leddy: Head of litigation at Legal Action Worldwide (LAW), and former ICC OTP Human rights & Intl Criminal Law; prosecution Lawyer
• Jörn Oliver Eiermann: Legal Officer, Special Assistant to the Head of International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM Syria)
• Yaser Tabbara: Lawyer, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of the Syrian Forum – United States (SF-USA)

The session was moderated by Sally Shobut, Advocacy officer at the Syrian Forum.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for decisive action by the ICC, with participants warning that continued impunity in Syria threatens not only the rights of Syrian victims but also the credibility of the ICC and the future of international justice. The critical role of the IIIM in supporting the ICC through comprehensive and reliable evidence to enable effective and transparent investigations was also highlighted.

Yaser Tabbara, Co-Founder and Head of Chief Strategist at the Syrian Forum, stated:
“Justice is the cornerstone of any sustainable resolution to the Syrian crisis, and it is also key to rebuilding trust between victims and the international legal system. Referring the Syrian situation to the ICC is a necessary step to address the heinous crimes affecting millions of Syrians, including systematic torture, killings, and enforced disappearances.

These crimes cannot go unpunished, and the ICC must serve as the venue where perpetrators are held accountable. We are at a pivotal moment. The State Parties have a historic responsibility to intervene and refer the Syrian situation. Failure to take this step would leave the door open to impunity, undermining the foundations of international justice and compounding victims’ suffering.”

He added:
“What we need today is not just legal action but also political and diplomatic cooperation to mobilize State Parties in support of this referral. The international community must demonstrate that international justice is not just a slogan but an effective tool for accountability and ending human suffering.”

Participants also discussed optimal strategies to ensure a comprehensive referral, covering not only forced displacement crimes but all major crimes committed in Syria to achieve holistic justice. They emphasized the critical role of civil society in documenting crimes and contributing to building strong legal cases that could be presented before the ICC.

The importance of this event comes amidst escalating reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and residential neighborhoods in the Idlib and Aleppo governorates of northern Syria. These incidents highlight the urgent need for international action to halt these crimes and hold those responsible accountable.

This event marked a significant step toward rallying international support for efforts to ensure accountability and justice in Syria. Participants called on State Parties to fulfill their responsibilities and work collectively to refer the Syrian situation to the ICC, reflecting a genuine commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Syrian Forum – USA (SF-USA)

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A Historical Responsibility for a Sustainable Future

The Syrian Forum emphasizes that transforming recent developments into a foundation for justice and stability requires joint efforts from Syrians and political, civil, and military institutions. Accordingly, the Syrian Forum, in collaboration with its civil society partners, is actively organizing a coordinated response to the rapid developments, particularly in Aleppo, its countryside, and Idlib.

Toward Effective and Sustainable Management of Aleppo

The Syrian Forum calls for the development of a comprehensive plan to manage the newly regained areas, focusing on:
1. Engaging Local Communities: Ensuring that Aleppo’s residents play an active role in managing their city.
2. Enhancing Good Governance: Providing essential services and restoring normalcy to daily life.
3. Humanitarian Response: Addressing the needs of residents in a manner that preserves their dignity and security.

Rejecting Revenge and Building Genuine Reconciliation

The Syrian Forum underscores the importance of avoiding acts of revenge or escalation, ensuring humane treatment of detainees, and upholding the principles of the Syrian revolution, which are rooted in freedom and dignity. The Forum also calls for the establishment of a national transitional justice process that includes holding major perpetrators accountable, ensuring the right for truth, compensating victims, and laying the groundwork for comprehensive national reconciliation.

Promoting Political and Civil Engagement

The Syrian Forum urges the expansion of political participation and the protection of civil society organizations’ independence, fostering national unity and enabling all national forces to contribute effectively.

Prioritizing Political Transition and Preventing Partition

The change in Aleppo marks a pivotal step toward achieving a sustainable political transition. The Forum calls on all relevant actors to intensify their efforts to establish comprehensive stability through a political solution that is the centralized, nonsectarian, inclusive and protects the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political positions, or religious and sectarian background. This process must align with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.

A Call for Collective Action

The Syrian Forum calls on both the international and local communities to shoulder their historic responsibility toward the Syrian people. This entails supporting the call for the protection of civilians, political transition, followed by a reconstruction process in a manner that honors the sacrifices of Syrians and fulfills their aspirations for freedom and justice.

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The resolution was adopted by a majority of 85 countries during the third committee meeting. The resolution condemns ongoing human rights violations in Syria, including attacks on civilians, the use of chemical weapons, arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances. The resolution also emphasizes the need to protect civilians and hold those responsible for crimes against humanity accountable under international law.

This achievement reflects the Syrian Forum’s efforts, which included organizing side events, engaging with international experts and diplomats, and preparing a specialized legal study on advancing justice. The Forum also conducted intensive advocacy tours in key cities like The Hague, New York, and Geneva, presenting reports and testimonies highlighting the suffering of the Syrian people.

The resolution also calls for ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid access to all affected areas in Syria, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable groups. It underscores the importance of completing the political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The Syrian Forum emphasizes that this resolution is a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Syrian people. It calls on the international community to translate these commitments into tangible actions to end the suffering of Syrians. The Forum reaffirms its commitment to continuing its efforts on the international stage to achieve justice, accountability, and a future that guarantees dignity and rights for all Syrians.

Syrian Forum

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During the tour, meetings were held with representatives of the diplomatic missions of Switzerland, South Korea, the United States, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Spain, Senegal, the Netherlands, and Brazil. The discussions focused on referring the Syrian file to the International Criminal Court (ICC) based on in-depth legal studies, including one prepared by the Syrian Forum. This study relies on legal precedents related to the crime of forced displacement, which is classified as a crime against humanity. The participants emphasized that these precedents provide a legal pathway to hold those responsible for crimes in Syria accountable without the need for a UN Security Council resolution, which has previously been blocked by veto.

The meetings also addressed recent developments that have strengthened the role of the ICC the possible issuance of arrest warrants for political leaders involved in other conflicts. This underscored that international law has become a critical tool for achieving justice, especially as the Security Council has been unable to address many conflicts effectively.

In a statement following the tour, Danny Al-Baaj said: “This tour was an important opportunity to continue our efforts to refer the Syrian case to the ICC. The veto that previously blocked this does not mean the path is closed. On the contrary, our reliance on legal precedents related to crimes of forced displacement and other violations gives us a new legal avenue to pursue those responsible for the crimes in Syria. In the meetings we also emphasized that political settlements must not come at the expense of justice or the rights of the victims.”

The Syrian Forum team concluded its tour by stressing the need to expedite the necessary procedures to refer the Syrian file to the ICC, emphasizing that this step would send a decisive political message that impunity for serious human rights violations will not be tolerated. The advocacy team also reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination and follow-up in the coming critical stages that will shape

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During this participation, they attended high-level ministerial meetings with international leaders and diplomats, where the suffering of the Syrian people was highlighted, and the Syrian cause was firmly established as a key issue on the global agenda. These efforts reflect the Syrian Forum’s ongoing commitment to keeping the Syrian issue at the forefront of international discussions and advocating for the rights of the Syrian people in all forums.

In addition to these meetings, Sally Shobut participated in closed high-level sessions with prominent international and diplomatic delegations, where she provided a detailed overview of the programs and initiatives led by the Syrian Forum to support Syrians inside Syria and in refugee areas. These meetings addressed the efforts to enhance humanitarian support in Syria, and the development of civil society infrastructure, contributing to the empowerment of the Syrian communities most affected by the crisis.

Shobut also joined a high-level session attended by Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and a number of senior global executives and prominent international figures from the Netherlands, Peru, and Indonesia during the launch of a comprehensive report covering 15 years of global achievements in sustainable development financing. The report highlighted the positive impact of these efforts in boosting economic opportunities and reducing poverty worldwide, which aligns with the Syrian Forum’s vision of achieving sustainable development in conflict-affected areas in Syria.

The events held this week in New York led to profound discussions that reinforced the importance of international cooperation to achieve sustainable change and push for the development of comprehensive solutions to support vulnerable communities, especially in Syria, as well as in various affected areas around the world.

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The event focused on the legal aspects through which the Syrian file could be referred to the ICC, based on a preliminary study prepared by LAW and an in-depth study conducted by the Syrian Forum. During the session, the legal foundations for such a referral were discussed, relying on the legal precedent set by the case of forced displacement in Myanmar and Bangladesh, which was referred to the ICC for investigation at the court’s request.

Participants emphasized that this step comes at a time when the role of the ICC is becoming more significant, particularly after it issued arrest warrants for political leaders from both Israel and Hamas amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. They highlighted that this reinforces the importance of international law as a tool for achieving justice, especially in light of the UN Security Council’s failure to maintain international peace and security in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In a statement during the session, Yaser Tabbara, lawyer and Chief Strategist at the Syrian Forum, said:

“The veto that blocked the referral of the Syrian file to the ICC does not signify the end of the road to justice. Relying on the precedent of forced displacement in Myanmar and Bangladesh could provide a legal pathway to investigate crimes committed in Syria without needing a Security Council resolution.”

Tabbara also stressed that countries that believe in the importance of international justice should take an active stance in supporting the referral of the Syrian file to the ICC, stating:

“Support from nations for these efforts is crucial because the continuation of impunity in Syria exacerbates the situation and poses a threat to regional and international security.”

He added: “Countries that believe in international justice have a pivotal role in supporting these efforts. Members of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations must act more seriously because achieving justice in Syria is not only a human rights demand but a necessity for regional stability. Allowing perpetrators to go unpunished will keep the door open for further violations.”

The speakers, including Antonia Mulvey, Executive Director of LAW, and Mazen Darwish, Director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, discussed previous attempts to refer the Syrian file to the ICC, emphasizing the need to end the policy of impunity.

The participants explained that there are new legal developments that could allow for the referral of the Syrian file to the ICC without needing to go through the UN Security Council, making these efforts more feasible given the current political challenges.

The event concluded with a call for intensified international efforts to support these legal initiatives, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the role of the ICC as a tool to achieve justice and hold those responsible for crimes against humanity in Syria accountable.

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The popular uprising was only the beginning of a difficult journey, one that Syrians hoped would lead to the establishment of a democratic system that guarantees rights and respects freedoms. But the response to these demands was harsh and violent. Instead of dialogue and listening, the ruling regime chose repression and torture, turning prisons into places crowded with thousands of detainees and forcibly disappeared individuals. These detainees are not just numbers or isolated cases; they are human stories filled with unfulfilled hopes and dreams, with souls yearning for the day they will regain their freedom. Each detainee languishing in the darkness is a living reminder of the price paid in the struggle for democracy.

Democracy is not merely a political mechanism for organizing elections; it is a value system based on respect for humanity, representing all segments of the people in governance and law, while also promoting justice and equality. In Syria, the absence of justice remains one of the biggest obstacles to achieving a genuine democratic transition. How can we talk about democracy in the face of ongoing arbitrary arrests and torture? How can the Syrian people trust in a better future without holding the perpetrators of crimes accountable and without justice being served to the victims? The absence of justice renders any conversation about democracy incomplete, failing to address the root causes of the problem.

To set Syria on the path toward democracy, we must first achieve justice. Transitional justice is one of the key tools for addressing past violations and ensuring they are not repeated. The files of detainees and the disappeared must be opened, and there must be transparent and independent investigations to hold those responsible for crimes against humanity accountable. This process not only restores the rights of victims but also strengthens trust between the state and society, laying the foundations for lasting peace. Justice is not only a legal requirement; it is a humanitarian necessity that heals the wounds of families who have lost loved ones and restores the cohesion and strength of society.

In this context, the importance of the International Day of Democracy is highlighted, reminding the world of the need for countries to ensure the rights of their people and involve them in the political process. This year, the focus is renewed on “Empowering the Next Generation,” which aligns with what Syria needs today. Syrian youth, who have lived through war and destruction, and who have faced repression and marginalization, are the hope for rebuilding their homeland. Empowering them to participate politically and providing them with opportunities to express their opinions is the cornerstone of any future democratic transition. These young people are not just victims; they are also the leaders of the future, and their active participation is the guarantee for building a society based on justice and equality.

Therefore, the efforts of the international community and the United Nations must focus on supporting Syrian youth and providing the necessary education and training to enhance their awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Local initiatives that aim to document violations and provide legal and psychological support to victims should also be supported. Promoting legal awareness and spreading knowledge of human rights are two essential steps in shaping a generation capable of leading the democratic transition and participating in building a new future.

Today, more than ever, the international community is called upon to take responsibility for the Syrian people. There must be continuous international pressure on the regime to release political prisoners and reveal the fate of the forcibly disappeared. Initiatives for transitional justice must be supported, and the necessary resources must be provided to ensure justice is achieved. The path to democracy is not easy, but it is the only path to achieving lasting peace and real stability in Syria.

The dream of democracy remains alive in the hearts of Syrians, despite all the pain and suffering. It is the dream of mothers waiting for the return of their children, and the dream of young people who see in the future a hope for a dignified life. Achieving this dream requires a collective commitment to justice and freedom and a shared vision to build a homeland that accommodates everyone and respects the rights of every individual. Democracy is not an unattainable goal; it is a continuous process that begins with achieving justice and continues with involving everyone in building a future worthy of the sacrifices and aspirations of the Syrian people.

Sally Shobat

Advocacy Officer at the Syrian Forum

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Education in Syria, particularly in the northern regions, faces multiple challenges, including direct attacks on schools, lack of international support, and high dropout rates. UNICEF reports indicate that over 2.4 million Syrian children of school age (between 5 and 17 years) have been deprived of education both inside and outside Syria due to the ongoing conflict. This figure represents nearly 40% of Syrian children in this age group. In northwest Syria alone, the estimated number of school dropouts is about 800,000, a staggering figure that calls for immediate action. Therefore, education must be viewed not only as a means of knowledge transmission but as a fundamental tool to combat extremism and violence targeting children and youth in conflict-affected communities. Education is the constructive alternative through which young people can be guided toward positive pathways that contribute to the development of their communities.

In this context, the state of education in Syria necessitates the establishment of safe and free educational centers in northern Syria, providing a nurturing educational environment for children and youth, away from the threat of violence and attacks. These centers are not merely a fundamental right for every child; they are the path to offering these children equal opportunities to develop their skills and build their futures, particularly given the ongoing collapse of Syria’s educational infrastructure.

Education is the most important investment in Syria’s future. If the rising generation is given quality and continuous education, they will become the driving force for rebuilding and developing Syrian society. The children and youth receiving comprehensive education today will lead the future and be capable of promoting peace and sustainable development. Therefore, investing in education must be a priority for the international community and relevant organizations.

Education not only provides job opportunities and economic development but also plays a crucial role in achieving social stability. Through education, young people’s abilities to think critically and address challenges constructively and positively are developed. It thus enhances social cohesion and reduces tensions between different social groups. In a divided society like Syria, education can be the tool that unites people and rebuilds trust among them.

Furthermore, any successful development policy must be founded on education. Whether these policies are related to humanitarian aid or early recovery programs, education remains the backbone upon which any society is built. In this context, the model schools of the Syrian Forum are working on developing an educational model based on a comprehensive triad: the child, the school, and the teacher. This model does not merely provide educational content but also includes supporting and training teachers, offering psychological and social support to children, and creating an inspiring educational environment that encourages students to think critically and build strong, active leadership skills within the community.

In addition to the role of schools and teachers, the role of the family in supporting education must be highlighted. Syrian families, suffering from the effects of war and poverty, bear a significant responsibility in encouraging their children to continue their education. Therefore, educational support policies must provide comprehensive assistance to families, whether through financial aid or supportive environments that enable children to focus on their studies. Education is not only the responsibility of the school but is a shared societal responsibility between the family and civil society.

On the other hand, it is impossible to discuss protecting education without mentioning the significant role played by Syrian civil society. Given the high dropout rates from schools in northern Syria, civil society must work alongside international and local efforts to ensure the continuation of education. Civil society has a historic role in providing financial, technical, and moral support to Syrian families who cannot afford the cost of education. Additionally, providing children with books and educational materials, and building more schools, must be a fundamental part of efforts to protect and sustain education.

Vocational education is an integral part of this effort. Given Syria’s difficult economic situation, focus should be placed on developing vocational education programs that enable young people to acquire practical skills that contribute to enhancing social and economic stability. Vocational education can provide job opportunities for youth and reduce unemployment rates, thus contributing to economic independence and reducing social tensions.

Education should not be viewed as merely part of the emergency humanitarian response but should be treated as a tool for development and empowerment. Education begins with empowering individuals and ends with building a cohesive society capable of protecting itself and developing its future. Therefore, donor countries must allocate a substantial portion of their aid to support education in Syria, regardless of the nature of the response, whether emergency-related or tied to stability and early recovery efforts.

It is unfortunate that education is often considered a non-urgent need compared to food and medicine in humanitarian responses. However, neglecting education leads to catastrophic long-term consequences, as young people deprived of education become more vulnerable to extremism and joining extremist groups. Education is the most effective alternative, and through it, a generation capable of overcoming present challenges and contributing to a brighter future can be built.

Education must be at the forefront of any developmental or humanitarian efforts in Syria. It must be the foundation upon which peace and stability are built, and the most important tool in combating extremism and violence. Education is not just an investment in future generations but an investment in the future of Syria as a whole.

Ghassan Hitto 

CEO, Syrian Forum

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Advantages for Syrian Forum USA
This recognition enhances our credibility and opens new doors for funding, partnerships, and collaborations, allowing us to expand our programs and support more people in need. It also motivates our team, acknowledging their dedication and encouraging us to maintain high standards as we strive for excellence in serving Syria.

What It Means for Our Donors
For our donors, this rating assures that your contributions are making a meaningful impact. Your trust in us is well-founded, and we’re committed to ensuring every dollar you donate is used with integrity to reach those who need it most. This rating highlights the effectiveness of our programs, confirming that your support brings real, positive change to the lives of the people we serve.

Thank You for Your Support
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support. We’re deeply grateful for your trust and partnership as we continue our mission to make a lasting impact in Syria. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.

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These families, who have endured harsh conditions and the instability of camp life, now have a place to call home. The transition from tents to permanent housing marks a significant improvement in their quality of life, providing them with security, stability, and a sense of normalcy.

This project not only offers shelter but also restores dignity and hope to those who have faced unimaginable hardships.

In addition to building new homes, we restored over 1,200 houses damaged by the recent earthquake. The impact of natural disasters compounds the struggles of displaced families, making our reconstruction efforts all the more critical.

By repairing and rebuilding these homes, we ensure that families can return to safe and secure environments, enabling them to rebuild their lives and communities. Our work in Babesqa is part of a broader commitment to support the most vulnerable populations in northern Syria. We are dedicated to implementing various projects that address immediate needs and foster long-term recovery and development. From providing essential relief supplies to facilitating sustainable livelihoods, our goal is to create lasting, positive change.

These efforts are a testament to the power of community and compassion. With the generous support of our donors and partners, we are able to bring hope and stability to those in dire need. Every new home, every repaired building, represents a step towards a brighter future for these families.

As we continue our mission, we invite you to join us in supporting these vital programs. Together, we can transform lives, one home at a time. By contributing to our cause, you are helping to build a foundation of hope and resilience for countless families in northern Syria.

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