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Syrian Artists' Union Calls for the Launch of Transitional Justice in Syria
The Syrian Artists' Union has called for the initiation of a transitional justice process in Syria, considering it a fundamental step toward achieving the rule of law and the desired justice, and "the cornerstone of civil peace."
In a statement that is the first of its kind, reflecting the desire to reactivate union work after a period of stagnation imposed by the Assad regime, the union emphasized the importance of the government in Damascus taking effective and serious steps to achieve "transitional justice." It highlighted that this justice is not merely a legal luxury or an optional item in political settlements, but is considered a foundational principle of dignity and a bridge between an unhealed wound and a peace built on solid foundations.
The statement also stressed the necessity of forming an independent national body for transitional justice that includes legal experts known for their competence and integrity, to ensure that justice is pursued away from any vengeful desires.
The statement, signed by dozens of Syrian artists, reflects the importance of not holding families or communities of perpetrators accountable for their individual actions, warning of the danger of delaying the transitional justice process, which could exacerbate violence and diminish trust in society.
The union expressed its commitment to playing an active role in this process by documenting the memories of the affected individuals and affirming their narratives, stressing that justice is not only a right for the victims but also a fundamental guarantee for building a state of citizenship and democracy.
The Artists' Union called on the Syrian government to take serious and urgent steps in this direction and affirmed its support for all pathways leading to a state of citizenship and democracy.
For their part, a group of survivors welcomed the contents of the Artists' Union's statement and called on all artists to join efforts in raising awareness and advocating for transitional justice, believing that the world cannot be well as long as crimes go unpunished.
